The Hattiesburg TV Guide is a essential tool for residents and visitors alike‚ providing detailed listings of television programming in the Hattiesburg‚ Mississippi area. Whether you’re using cable‚ satellite‚ or an antenna‚ this guide helps you navigate the diverse range of channels available. With 36 over-the-air TV channels and 35 radio stations‚ Hattiesburg offers a rich entertainment experience. The guide includes schedules for popular networks like NBC‚ CBS‚ and ABC‚ as well as local stations. It also features program descriptions‚ air times‚ and channel lineups‚ making it easy to plan your viewing schedule. Additionally‚ the guide supports both broadcast and cable listings‚ ensuring comprehensive coverage for all viewers.
History of TV in Hattiesburg
The history of television in Hattiesburg reflects the broader evolution of TV technology and broadcasting in the United States. Early television broadcasts in the region began in the mid-20th century‚ with local stations providing limited programming. Over time‚ the transition from analog to digital TV in the 2000s revolutionized how residents accessed content‚ offering clearer signals and more channels. Today‚ Hattiesburg boasts a diverse range of broadcast and cable options‚ including 36 over-the-air channels and numerous satellite services. This growth has made the TV guide an indispensable resource for viewers to navigate the expanding entertainment landscape.
Early Days of Television
The early days of television in Hattiesburg‚ Mississippi‚ were marked by the gradual introduction of this revolutionary technology to the local community. Television began to emerge as a popular medium in the mid-20th century‚ with the first TV stations in the United States starting their broadcasts in the late 1940s and early 1950s. For Hattiesburg‚ this period was characterized by the arrival of local stations that brought news‚ entertainment‚ and educational programming to area residents.
One of the first television stations to serve Hattiesburg was WDAM-TV‚ which began broadcasting in the late 1950s. This station‚ affiliated with NBC‚ quickly became a cornerstone of local television‚ offering a mix of national network programming and community-focused content. Other stations‚ such as WHLT (CBS) and WHPM (FOX)‚ followed suit‚ expanding the range of channels available to viewers. These early stations operated with limited broadcast hours‚ often signing on in the late morning and signing off in the late evening.
During the early days of television‚ broadcasts were primarily in black and white‚ and color TV remained a luxury until the late 1960s. The transition to color broadcasting marked a significant milestone for Hattiesburg viewers‚ who could now enjoy vibrant programming‚ including popular shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Bonanza. Local stations also played a crucial role in covering regional events‚ such as high school football games‚ parades‚ and community festivals‚ fostering a sense of connection among residents.
Receiving television signals in Hattiesburg during the early years often required the use of antennas‚ which were typically mounted on rooftops or indoors. The quality of the signal could vary depending on the location‚ with rural areas sometimes experiencing weaker reception. Despite these challenges‚ the popularity of television grew rapidly‚ and by the 1970s‚ it had become a central part of daily life in Hattiesburg.
The introduction of cable television in the 1980s further expanded the options available to viewers in Hattiesburg. Cable providers like Comcast began offering a wider range of channels‚ including premium networks such as HBO and Showtime. This marked the beginning of a new era in television for the area‚ as viewers gained access to a greater variety of programming‚ including movies‚ sports‚ and specialized content.
Transition to Digital TV
The transition to digital television marked a significant milestone in the history of broadcasting in Hattiesburg‚ Mississippi‚ and across the United States. This shift from analog to digital TV was part of a broader national effort to modernize the television industry‚ improve signal quality‚ and free up spectrum space for emerging technologies. For Hattiesburg viewers‚ this transition brought about numerous benefits‚ including enhanced picture and sound quality‚ increased channel offerings‚ and a wider range of programming options.
The federal government mandated the switch to digital television in 2009‚ with all full-power analog TV stations required to cease analog broadcasts by June 12‚ 2009. This deadline was critical for Hattiesburg stations‚ which had to upgrade their equipment and infrastructure to comply with the new digital standards. Local stations‚ such as WDAM-TV (NBC)‚ WHLT (CBS)‚ and WHPM (FOX)‚ played a key role in this transition by investing in digital transmitters and ensuring a smooth handover for their viewers.
One of the most noticeable improvements for Hattiesburg residents was the dramatic increase in picture and sound quality. Digital TV broadcasts offered high-definition (HD) resolution‚ providing viewers with a crisper and more vibrant viewing experience compared to the grainy analog signals of the past. Additionally‚ digital TV enabled the introduction of multiple subchannels‚ allowing stations to broadcast several channels simultaneously. For example‚ WDAM-TV began offering subchannels like WDAM-DT2 (ABC) and WDAM-DT3 (BOUNCE)‚ giving viewers more diverse programming options.
The transition also brought about new challenges for viewers in Hattiesburg. To receive digital signals‚ residents needed either a digital TV set or a digital-to-analog converter box for their older analog TVs. The federal government provided coupons to help offset the cost of these converter boxes‚ but some viewers‚ particularly in rural areas‚ faced difficulties in installing the necessary equipment. Additionally‚ the transition required viewers to re-scan their TV channels to ensure they could receive the new digital signals‚ which could be confusing for those unfamiliar with the process.
Despite these challenges‚ the transition to digital TV was largely successful in Hattiesburg. Local stations provided extensive outreach and support to help viewers navigate the change‚ including broadcasting informational segments and offering online resources. The end result was a more robust and versatile television landscape‚ with viewers enjoying a wider array of channels and improved broadcast quality.
Today‚ the legacy of the digital TV transition can be seen in the extensive range of over-the-air channels available in Hattiesburg. With 36 TV channels and 35 radio stations broadcasting in the area‚ residents have access to a wealth of programming‚ including local news‚ sports‚ and entertainment. The transition also paved the way for the integration of streaming services and other modern viewing options‚ ensuring that Hattiesburg remains at the forefront of television innovation.
Major TV Stations in Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg‚ Mississippi‚ is served by several major television stations that provide a diverse range of programming to local audiences. Among the prominent stations are WDAM-TV (NBC affiliate)‚ WHLT (CBS affiliate)‚ and WHPM (FOX affiliate). These stations broadcast on various channels‚ including over-the-air and cable platforms‚ offering news‚ sports‚ entertainment‚ and educational content. WDAM-TV‚ for instance‚ operates on channel 7.1 and is known for its local news coverage and weather updates. WHLT (channel 22.1) focuses on regional news and syndicated programming‚ while WHPM (channel 23.1) provides a mix of entertainment and sports. These stations are integral to the local media landscape‚ ensuring residents stay informed and entertained.
- WDAM-TV: Channel 7.1 (NBC affiliate)
- WHLT: Channel 22.1 (CBS affiliate)
- WHPM: Channel 23.1 (FOX affiliate)
These stations also offer digital subchannels‚ such as WDAM-DT2 (ABC) and WDAM-DT3 (BOUNCE)‚ further expanding viewer options. Their programming includes local news‚ national networks‚ and diverse entertainment‚ catering to a wide range of viewer preferences in Hattiesburg;
WDAM-TV (NBC)
WDAM-TV‚ an NBC-affiliated television station‚ is a cornerstone of broadcasting in Hattiesburg‚ Mississippi. Operating on channel 7.1‚ it serves as a primary source of news‚ entertainment‚ and community programming for the region. Established with a commitment to providing high-quality content‚ WDAM-TV has become a trusted name in local television‚ offering a diverse range of shows that cater to all audiences.
As an NBC affiliate‚ WDAM-TV airs a wide array of popular network programming‚ including dramas‚ comedies‚ reality shows‚ and sports. Viewers can enjoy hit series like America’s Got Talent‚ The Voice‚ and Saturday Night Live‚ as well as breaking news and special events. The station also prioritizes local content‚ delivering news‚ weather‚ and sports that are relevant to the Hattiesburg community. Its dedication to local journalism is evident through its daily newscasts‚ which cover everything from regional politics to community events.
Beyond its primary channel‚ WDAM-TV offers several digital subchannels‚ each providing unique programming to cater to different viewer preferences. For instance‚ WDAM-DT2 (channel 7.2) is affiliated with ABC‚ offering additional network shows and movies. WDAM-DT3 (channel 7.3) features the BOUNCE network‚ which focuses on programming for African American audiences‚ including movies‚ series‚ and sports. Additionally‚ WDAM-DT4 (channel 7.4) airs the CRIME channel‚ providing true-crime enthusiasts with around-the-clock programming‚ while WDAM-DT5 (channel 7.5) is dedicated to GSEN‚ a network that targets a younger demographic with gaming‚ sports‚ and lifestyle content.
The station’s commitment to innovation is evident in its transition to digital broadcasting. By adopting cutting-edge technology‚ WDAM-TV ensures that viewers receive crystal-clear high-definition programming. This commitment to quality extends beyond entertainment‚ as the station actively engages with the community through initiatives like food drives‚ health awareness campaigns‚ and educational programs. Such efforts have earned WDAM-TV a reputation as a responsible and caring broadcaster.
For sports fans‚ WDAM-TV is a go-to destination‚ airing live coverage of regional and national events‚ including NFL games and Olympics programming. Its sports segment‚ often featured during local newscasts‚ provides in-depth analysis and highlights of local teams‚ making it a favorite among sports enthusiasts. Additionally‚ the station’s weather team is renowned for its accurate forecasts and severe weather coverage‚ ensuring that viewers are always prepared for any conditions.