WNKY

WNKY is the NBC and CBS-affiliated television station for South Central Kentucky licensed to Bowling Green. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 16 (virtual channel 40.1 via PSIP) from a transmitter on Pilot Knob in Smiths Grove along I-65. Owned by Max Media, WNKY has studios on Emmett Avenue in Bowling Green.

WNKY can also be seen on Time Warner Cable channels 7 (SD) and 906 (HD), as well as Dish Network channel 40. It is also available on South Central Rural Telephone Cooperative (SCRTC) cable channels 7 and 307.

Digital channels

History

As an independent station

Although granted a construction permit in 1983, the station did not begin broadcasting until December 17, 1989. At its sign-on, the outlet operated as an Independent under the call sign WQQB. Airing an analog signal on UHF channel 40, the station had a general entertainment format with a mixture of low-budget syndicated programming, like old movies, sitcoms, and cartoons. In its early days, the picture and sound quality of the station was very poor resulting in a low-budget feel. Programs would often broadcast mis-tracked, sticking, and skipping. Sometimes, the picture would appear clear but the sound would consist of complete static. It had little presence in the market at the time; indeed, most residents didn't even know it existed.