WCBI-TV, a prominent television station in Columbus, Mississippi, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1956. As the first television station in North Mississippi, WCBI-TV has played a significant role in the region's broadcasting landscape. This article explores the station's historical journey, highlighting key milestones and changes over the decades.
The Early Years
WCBI-TV began its broadcast on July 13, 1956, marking a significant milestone as the
first television station in North Mississippi. The station was founded by Birney Imes, Jr., a Columbus businessman and publisher of the Commercial Dispatch newspaper. The call letters of the station, WCBI, were derived from Imes' initials, reflecting his personal investment in the venture.
In its early years, WCBI-TV operated from a modest setup, with studios located in a cement block building surrounded by mobile homes in a pasture just east of Columbus. Initially, the station carried programming from all three major networks—CBS, NBC, and ABC. However, it primarily identified as a CBS affiliate, except for a brief period from 1977 to 1979 when it was a primary ABC affiliate.
Changes and Challenges
The late 1950s saw WCBI-TV briefly affiliate with the NTA Film Network, but it soon returned to its CBS roots. In 1979, NBC programming was dropped from the station's schedule when WTVA in Tupelo expanded its signal to include Columbus. This change allowed WCBI-TV to focus more on CBS and ABC programming until 1983, when WVSB (now WLOV-TV) began operations, taking over the ABC affiliation.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, WCBI-TV underwent significant changes. The station remained in its rural location for over three decades until the early 1990s when Frank Imes, Birney's son, oversaw the renovation of a former department store in downtown Columbus. This move marked a new era for the station, with live broadcasting from the new facility beginning in 1993.
Digital Transition and Ownership Changes
WCBI-TV embraced the digital age in March 2000, launching a full-power digital signal on UHF channel 35. By 2002, the station was broadcasting three digital signals, including CBS in high definition. The station also introduced a UPN channel and a 24-hour local weather station.
In 2003, Imes Communications sold WCBI-TV to Morris Multimedia, marking the end of an era for the Imes family in broadcasting. Despite the sale, the Commercial Dispatch newspaper remained under Imes family ownership. In the following years, WCBI-TV continued to adapt, affiliating with MyNetworkTV in 2006 and later adjusting its subchannel affiliations to include Fox and CW+.
WCBI-TV's journey from a small rural station to a key player in the Columbus–Tupelo market reflects its adaptability and commitment to serving its community. As it continues to evolve, WCBI-TV remains a vital part of North Mississippi's media landscape.
