TV Technical Profile: WCFT


Channel:
33
Affiliation:
ABC
Transmitter Location:
Approx 3 miles east of Alabama 69, off county 85 (?) in Tuscaloosa County. Near WOWC tall tower.
Power (ERP):
4.37 MW.
Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT):
 2,172 feet.
Antenna:
Omnidirectional
Other Information:
Stereo
Station History:
WCFT began broadcasting on October 27, 1965. Originally, Tuscaloosa was part of the Birmingham market and WCFT was the first from Tuscaloosa to broadcast. The station began with no affiliation, but after years of little return for their investment, the station was sold to Service Broadcasters of Hattisburg in 1967. After the purchase WCFT was granted permission to air CBS programming even though Birmingham's channel 42 was the DMA affiliate. In 1970, the station became a full network affiliate. In the early 80's the station began doing better in the news area and by 1987 Arbitron made Tuscaloosa it's own market. WCFT was sold to Albritton Communications in 1995 to become part of Birmingham's unique new ABC affiliate.
WBMA, a low power station is official Birmingham's ABC affiliate. WCFT, along with Anniston station WJSU serve as "satellites" to rebroadcast ABC all over central Alabama.
The original WCFT tower is still standing just off I-20/59 near the Skyland Blvd. exit, and is used for ABC 33/40's Tuscaloosa tower camera.


Click here for the transmitter location.