WHPM-LD: A History of Broadcasting in the Pine Belt
The landscape of local television in the Pine Belt region has evolved significantly over the last two decades. At the center of this transformation is WHPM-LD, a station that has transitioned from a small religious broadcaster to a multi-network hub providing essential entertainment and news to its community.
The Early Years and Digital Transition
WHPM first entered the airwaves on June 15, 2005, operating as WHPM-LP. In its infancy, the station focused on religious programming, broadcasting via analog UHF channel 30. As the industry shifted toward digital standards, the station shut down its analog signal and migrated to digital channel 23 in 2009.
While the technical transition happened in 2009, the station's official identity caught up on October 7, 2011, when it formally adopted the call sign WHPM-LD (Low Power Digital).
Becoming a Fox Affiliate
A pivotal moment in the station's history occurred on October 13, 2011, when WHPM became the first locally based Fox affiliate in the market. Prior to this, Fox programming was delivered to the region via WXXV-TV in Gulfport. WXXV-TV had utilized a strategically placed broadcast tower and a directional antenna pattern to cover both the Gulf Coast and the Pine Belt regions, but WHPM provided a dedicated local presence.
Expanding the Digital Portfolio
WHPM quickly expanded its reach by leveraging digital subchannels—additional programming streams broadcast on the same frequency as the main channel.
The CW and High Definition
On September 10, 2012, WHPM assumed promotional and advertising duties for "WBH," a cable-only CW affiliate. To bring this content to over-the-air viewers, the station launched a second digital subchannel (WHPM-LD2) featuring The CW Plus, a national feed for smaller markets. While it initially aired on Comcast channel 59, the service eventually upgraded to 720p high definition and moved to Comcast digital channel 438.
This arrangement lasted until December 23, 2014, when The CW moved to a digital subchannel of WHLT as part of a renewal with Media General.
Diversifying Content: MeTV, MyNetworkTV, and Antenna TV
The station continued to diversify its offerings. In July 2015, a third subchannel was introduced to carry MeTV and MyNetworkTV. Later, in September of that year, This TV was added to the second subchannel, marking the return of the network to the market after WDAM-DT2 had switched to ABC three years earlier. By 2021, WHPM-LD2 transitioned its programming to Antenna TV.
Ownership and Future Outlook
After years of operating as a local fixture, a major corporate shift was announced on June 25, 2026. The licensee announced the sale of WHPM to Gray Media for a total of $4 million.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: June 15, 2005.
- First Affiliation: Religious programming on analog channel 30.
- Fox Milestone: Became the market's first local Fox affiliate on October 13, 2011.
- Digital Shift: Moved to digital channel 23 in 2009; call sign changed to WHPM-LD in 2011.
- Sale Price: Sold to Gray Media for $4 million (announced June 2026).
| Year | Channel/Subchannel | Network/Programming |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Analog 30 | Religious Programming |
| 2011 | Main Channel | Fox |
| 2012 | LD2 | The CW Plus |
| 2015 | LD3 | MeTV / MyNetworkTV |
| 2015 | LD2 | This TV |
| 2021 | LD2 | Antenna TV |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did WHPM-LD become a Fox affiliate?
WHPM-LD became the first locally based Fox affiliate for the market on October 13, 2011.
How did viewers access The CW before WHPM-LD2?
Viewers accessed The CW through a cable-only affiliate known as "WBH" before WHPM added it as an over-the-air digital subchannel in 2012.
What happened to the station's analog signal?
The analog signal on UHF channel 30 was shut down in 2009 when the station switched to digital channel 23.
Who purchased WHPM and for how much?
Gray Media announced the purchase of WHPM for $4 million on June 25, 2026.
Which network currently occupies the LD2 subchannel?
As of 2021, the WHPM-LD2 subchannel switched to Antenna TV.