Imagine flipping on your TV and discovering a whole new world of channels at your fingertips – but only if you're tuned in the right way! That's the exciting (and potentially frustrating) shift happening with Fox 39, our sister station, as it prepares to reach more viewers than ever. But here's where it gets interesting: this isn't just a simple channel change; it's a strategic move that could broaden your viewing horizons. And this is the part most people miss – the reasons behind it might surprise you. Let's break it all down step by step, like we're chatting over coffee, so even if you're new to TV tech, you'll get it without any hassle.
Fox 39 is on the move to Channel 5.3 – here's the scoop from WCYB.
Published by WCYB on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 3:49 PM.
Bristol, Va. (WCYB) – Get ready for a bigger audience boost! Our sister station, Fox 39, is gearing up to connect with even more viewers by relocating its broadcast spot. We're making this happen by adjusting the channel location where you can catch it. (Photo courtesy of WCYB.)
Think of it like rearranging your favorite apps on your phone – suddenly, they're easier to find and maybe even bring new features along. Here's the essential info to keep you in the loop, explained simply so beginners can follow right along.
"We're switching the Fox 39 broadcast signal from Channel 39.1 over to Channel 5.3," explained Doug Chaulk, our WCYB Chief Engineer. To put it plainly, Channel 5.3 is a subchannel of WCYB – imagine it as a bonus section under the main channel, like extra content on a streaming service. And don't worry, WCYB will stay right where it is on 5.1, so your go-to News 5 remains unchanged.
News 5's Rebecca Pepin sat down with Doug to dig into what this shift really means for everyday viewers like you. "Subscribers with Dish Network, DIRECTV, or cable services won't notice any difference at all," Doug reassured. "This tweak only affects those watching over-the-air broadcasts – that's folks using an antenna to pick up local channels directly from the airwaves. For them, viewing the change might require a quick rescan of their TVs to locate the new channel."
Now, if you're scratching your head wondering what a "rescan" entails, it's straightforward and painless. It's basically telling your TV to search for available channels again, kind of like refreshing your email inbox to catch new messages. Every TV model is unique, so we suggest a quick online search for "how to rescan channels on [your TV brand and model]" – for example, if you have a Samsung, just type that into your browser, and you'll find step-by-step guides that take minutes. This way, you avoid missing out on Fox 39's fresh new spot.
Meanwhile, we're thrilled about the potential to grow our Fox audience even further. "The real magic happens because the antenna for Channel 5 can cover a much wider over-the-air population," Doug shared. "By making this switch on our Channel 5 transmitter, viewers will now have access to NBC, CW, and yes, the Fox channel all in one convenient place. It's like upgrading your cable package without the extra cost!"
To ease you into the transition and prevent any confusion – because who likes hunting for their shows? – we'll be simulcasting Fox on both 39.1 and 5.3 until mid-January. That's when Fox will completely move over to Channel 5.3, wrapping up the change smoothly.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this move a game-changer for rural viewers who rely on over-the-air signals, potentially bringing more local news and entertainment to underserved areas? Or could it complicate things, leading to a temporary dip in viewership as people scramble to rescan? Some might argue it's a smart evolution in broadcasting technology, adapting to better reach in our digital age. Others could see it as just another tech hurdle in a world already overloaded with streaming options. What do you think – does expanding access outweigh the minor inconvenience?
If you have questions or need more details, swing by our contact page at https://wcyb.com/station/contact – we're here to help make this transition as seamless as possible.
What are your thoughts on this channel shift? Do you see it as an exciting upgrade or a potential headache? Will it change how you watch TV, or is it no big deal for you? Let's discuss in the comments – agree, disagree, or share your own broadcasting stories!
