WBBJ is a television station located in Jackson, Tennessee, United States. It is owned by Beale Street Broadcasting. WBBJ is affiliated with ABC, CBS, and The CW, and is dependent upon satellite links from ABC and CBS for programming. The station broadcasts both digital and analog signals at VHF channel 7.
Prior to its move to digital, WBBJ was a charter affiliate for ABC, having first gone on air in 1953 as the seventh television station in the nation at a frequency of VHF Channel 7. The station was originally owned by the WBBJ-TV Corporation, a group headed by Jackson businessmen Tag White and Ed Roberts. In addition to its ABC affiliation, WBBJ has always been associated with sister station WRBL-AM, the first full-time radio station in Jackson.
WBBJ is the home of 13 EYEWITNESS NEWS, offering nightly news broadcasts at 5 P.M., 6 P.M., and 10 P.M. WBBJ’s newscasts are anchored by WBBJ newsroom veterans Robyn McKeithan and Tracey Hackney, with weather reports from meteorologist Grant Dade and sports reports from news director Rennis Tisdale or sports director Gary Diggs. In addition to its regular broadcasts, the station also produces several public service announcements, such as “FOCUS7” and “Be the Key: TV Tours by River Region,” about local media and history and featuring “behind the scenes” look at some of the places and people of Jackson.
WBBJ’s transmitter, located in downtown Owen Island on the Halls-Beaver Dam Line (the old transcontinental route connecting New England with the Midwest) and controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority, stands 800 feet tall. It is affectionately referred to by local citizens as “The Tower.” WBBJ also operates a translator station, W30CX-D, broadcasting on virtual channel 7. In addition, the station provides a broadband service offering over-the-air, streaming and on demand programming online and on mobile devices.
WBBJ is also available on cable. The station is offered on Charter Spectrum, AT&T U-verse, and Dish Network, making it available to households and businesses around the region. Furthermore, WBBJ is broadcast in high definition (HD) on ABC, CBS, and CW simulcasts via the aforementioned systems.
In addition to its broadcast services, WBBJ is active in the local community. Each year, the station sponsors events such as “The Ride for the Cure,” a charity bicycle ride, “Race for the cure of Breast Cancer,” and “For the Seniors” (an assisted living facility initiative).
Throughout its history, WBBJ has always been a leader in news and programming. With broadcasting, streaming and other services, WBBJ is committed to providing unparalleled coverage and service to the citizens of the Tennessee Valley.