WWDP

WWDP is a full-power television station licensed to Norwell, Massachusetts, and serving the Boston television market. The station broadcasts on virtual channel 46 and is owned by WRNN-TV Associates, which also owns WMFP, a station licensed to Foxborough. Under a channel-sharing arrangement, WWDP and WMFP use WWDP's transmission facilities and spectrum allocation from a tower near Pleasant Street in West Bridgewater. The station's studios are located on Bert Drive in West Bridgewater. The station began broadcasting on December 6, 1986, as WRYT, an independent station operating from a modest facility in Hanover. Its early operation was unusually fragile. The station used low-power equipment and a small tower, relied heavily on multicultural programming supplied through the International Satellite Network, and operated with very limited technical infrastructure. In 1988, its call sign changed to WHRC. Later that year it moved to a substantially improved facility in Brockton, but concerns about the tower's ability to withstand winter ice led to another interruption. A subsequent transmitter site in Foxborough suffered from inadequate electrical infrastructure and dependence on diesel generators. Equipment failures, unpaid suppliers, financial instability, and fuel shortages ultimately forced the station off the air in September 1989. Channel 46 remained largely silent for more than seven years. Several prospective owners explored ways to revive the license, including plans for a classic-television service and proposals for a new high tower in Bridgewater. Local opposition and difficulties securing a viable transmission site prevented those efforts from producing a stable operation. The license was eventually sold to Christian Network Inc. in 1996, and the station returned to the air in December of that year. It initially carried religious programming before moving toward home-shopping content. Paxson Communications obtained substantial programming control through a local marketing agreement in 1997. The station adopted the WBPX call sign in 1998 in anticipation of Pax TV's launch and was associated with the company's inTV infomercial service. After Pax programming was consolidated on the stronger Boston-area channel 68, channel 46 returned to the WWDP call sign and resumed an infomercial-oriented schedule. It briefly became a Telemundo affiliate in 2000 through a simulcast arrangement with WTMU-LP, but that affiliation ended in July 2002. WWDP then returned to home shopping, carrying America's Collectibles Network and later ShopNBC. ValueVision Media, the corporate owner of ShopNBC, acquired WWDP in 2003 to preserve the shopping network's Boston-area distribution after another station moved to Telemundo. ShopNBC was subsequently rebranded as ShopHQ and became associated with the corporate identity Evine Live, which later reverted to the ShopHQ name. In 2017, Evine Live agreed to sell WWDP to WRNN-TV Associates for a reported $10 million; the transaction closed on December 6 of that year. The sale was accompanied by a channel-sharing agreement that permitted WMFP's owner, NRJ TV, to transmit WMFP programming through a portion of WWDP's spectrum. After the change in ownership, the station continued to carry shopping programming. ShopHQ was moved to a secondary digital channel while Shop LC occupied the primary channel, but ShopHQ returned to WWDP's main channel in June 2021 after RNN and iMedia Brands announced a broader affiliation agreement. WWDP has consequently spent much of its existence as a leased, shopping, infomercial, or network-affiliated outlet rather than as a conventional locally programmed general-entertainment station. It also completed the transition from analog to digital broadcasting in 2009. A later construction permit to relocate the digital operation to UHF channel 36 from the WBZ-TV tower in Needham was canceled in January 2026.

WWDP began broadcasting on December 6, 1986, under the call sign WRYT. It was established as an independent station licensed to Norwell and initially operated from a rudimentary facility in Hanover. The station's early technical setup was extremely limited, with a small tower, low transmitter power, and equipment installed in a former video-store bathroom. Its schedule relied substantially on multicultural programs supplied through the International Satellite Network. The call sign changed to WHRC in February 1988. Soon afterward, the station moved to a more capable facility in Brockton and increased its effective radiated power. The improvement was short-lived because the tower and antenna configuration raised concerns about ice loading during Massachusetts winters. WHRC temporarily went dark while a new transmission site was sought. It returned in January 1989 from Foxborough, but the new site lacked adequate three-phase electrical service and relied on diesel generators. Generator failures left the station unable to maintain consistent color broadcasting, while its already weak finances deteriorated further. By mid-1989, the station was struggling with unpaid vendors, fuel suppliers, and employees. Ownership instability and the personal financial difficulties of the owner complicated attempts to keep the operation functioning. The station was unable to attract a credible buyer, and the fuel supplier eventually stopped deliveries. WHRC ceased broadcasting on September 19, 1989, when its remaining generator exhausted its fuel. Although various parties explored uses for the license during the following years, channel 46 remained silent for more than seven years. Among the attempted revival plans was a proposal by Steve Mindich's Rogue Television Corporation to acquire WHRC, rename it WPHX, and use it as a classic-television outlet connected to the proposed Star Television Network. That transaction did not proceed, in part because a suitable tower could not be secured. Another effort involved Two if by Sea Broadcasting, led by Michael Parker, whose later proposal for a 1,049-foot tower in Bridgewater met local opposition. After the Bridgewater planning board rejected the project, Parker sued, but the broader facility and ownership problems remained unresolved. In October 1996, Massachusetts Redevelopment sold the license to Christian Network Inc. The station returned to the air on December 18, 1996, first carrying religious programs and later switching to home shopping. Paxson Communications obtained control of most of the station's airtime through a local marketing agreement beginning in January 1997. In anticipation of Pax TV's launch, WHRC adopted the WBPX call sign in January 1998. The station was also used as an affiliate of Paxson's inTV service, which relied heavily on infomercials and paid programming. WBPX was sold to DP Media in 1998. When Pax programming was consolidated on Boston University's stronger independent station, channel 68, channel 46 returned to the WWDP call sign in June 1999 and resumed infomercial programming. Unlike most DP Media stations, WWDP was not absorbed into Paxson Communications' larger late-1990s transaction. Instead, ownership passed to Norwell Television, in which Paxson Communications retained a minority interest while Roslyck Paxson and Devon Paxson controlled the remainder. WWDP briefly shifted toward Spanish-language network television. In 2000, Telemundo announced an affiliation using a local marketing arrangement with WTMU-LP; the stations simulcast. The arrangement ended on July 1, 2002, after which WWDP returned to home shopping. ValueVision Media, the company behind ShopNBC, acquired the station in 2003 to preserve ShopNBC's Boston-area distribution after another station moved to Telemundo. ShopNBC later became ShopHQ, while ValueVision Media adopted the Evine Live corporate identity before ultimately returning to the ShopHQ name. The station completed its digital transition in 2009. It temporarily shut down its digital signal to install a new antenna, then moved its digital operation from pre-transition UHF channel 52 to VHF channel 10, retaining virtual channel 46. Its analog UHF 46 signal was discontinued in April 2009. In August 2017, Evine Live agreed to sell WWDP to WRNN-TV Associates. The sale closed on December 6, 2017, for a reported $10 million according to the cited reference material. The transaction included a channel-sharing agreement under which WMFP, owned by NRJ TV, used part of WWDP's spectrum. After the acquisition, WWDP carried ShopHQ on a secondary digital channel while Shop LC occupied its primary channel. In June 2021, ShopHQ returned to the primary channel after RNN and iMedia Brands announced an affiliation agreement covering WWDP and other RNN stations. The station currently operates as a Boston-area digital television outlet associated with the Roar network, while its history remains closely linked to shopping television, infomercials, network affiliation changes, and repeated changes in ownership and transmission arrangements.

• 2026

  Proposed channel relocation permit canceled

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  The construction permit for a proposed move to UHF channel 36 is canceled.

• 2021

  ShopHQ returns to the primary channel

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  After a temporary move to a secondary subchannel, ShopHQ returns to WWDP's main channel in June.

• 2017

  WRNN-TV Associates completes acquisition

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  WRNN-TV Associates acquires WWDP from Evine Live, with a related channel-sharing arrangement involving WMFP.

• 2009

  Digital transition completed

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  WWDP ends analog broadcasting and operates digitally on VHF channel 10 while retaining virtual channel 46.

• 2003

  ShopNBC owner acquires station

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  ValueVision Media purchases WWDP to maintain ShopNBC's presence in the Boston market.

• 2002

  Station returns to home shopping

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  WWDP drops Telemundo and resumes shopping programming, including America's Collectibles Network.

• 2000

  Telemundo affiliation begins

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  WWDP starts a short-lived Telemundo affiliation through a simulcast and marketing arrangement with WTMU-LP.

• 1999

  WWDP identity returns

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  After Pax programming moves to channel 68, channel 46 resumes the WWDP call sign and infomercial-oriented programming.

• 1998

  Station becomes WBPX

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  The call sign changes to WBPX as the station prepares for the launch of Pax TV.

• 1997

  Paxson obtains programming control

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Paxson Communications begins controlling most of the station's airtime through a local marketing agreement.

• 1996

  WWDP returns after an extended silence

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  The station resumes broadcasting on December 18 after more than seven years off the air.

• 1989

  Broadcasting stops

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Technical problems, inadequate generator power, unpaid suppliers, and fuel shortages force WHRC off the air in September.

• 1988

  Call sign changes to WHRC

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  The station adopts the WHRC call sign and moves to an improved facility in Brockton.

• 1986

  Station signs on as WRYT

  [1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  WWDP begins broadcasting on December 6 as an independent station serving the Boston area from a small facility in Hanover.

A Boston-area full-power television outlet whose schedule has historically emphasized leased programming, home shopping, infomercials, and digital-network affiliations rather than extensive original local programming.

• Television broadcasting · 1986

  WWDP virtual channel 46 service

  WWDP's principal broadcast service is a full-power television signal licensed to Norwell and serving the Boston area. Although its physical digital channel has changed, the station has retained virtual channel 46. Its schedule has varied substantially, including independent programming, religious shows, infomercials, shopping television, Telemundo programming, and digital multicast-network content.

• Home-shopping television · 2003

  ShopHQ programming

  ShopHQ has been one of the most persistent programming identities associated with WWDP. The station carried the service under earlier ShopNBC and Evine-related corporate structures, temporarily placed it on a secondary subchannel after the WRNN acquisition, and restored it to the primary channel in June 2021.

• Digital multicast television

  Roar network programming

  WWDP is identified as an affiliate of Roar, a digital multicast network. This affiliation represents the station's current network-oriented role alongside its long history of shopping, infomercial, and leased programming.

• 2021

  Restoration of ShopHQ to the primary channelStrategy

  Background

  Following the WRNN acquisition, WWDP's programming configuration placed ShopHQ on a secondary digital channel and Shop LC on the primary channel.

  Action taken

  RNN and iMedia Brands announced an affiliation arrangement covering WWDP and other RNN stations, and ShopHQ returned to WWDP's primary channel on June 28.

  Aftermath

  Shop LC programming was removed from the primary service, restoring ShopHQ as the station's principal shopping affiliation.

  Source

• 2017

  Sale to WRNN-TV AssociatesM&A

  Background

  Evine Live decided to divest the station while preserving a technical arrangement that supported use of the spectrum by WMFP.

  Action taken

  WRNN-TV Associates agreed to acquire WWDP, and the parties implemented a channel-sharing agreement involving WMFP.

  Aftermath

  The sale closed on December 6, 2017. WWDP continued to carry shopping programming, with ShopHQ temporarily placed on a secondary subchannel.

  Reported purchase price. $10 million (2017 transaction)

  Source

• 2003

  ValueVision Media acquisitionM&A

  Background

  ValueVision Media sought to preserve ShopNBC distribution in Boston after another station was repositioned for Telemundo.

  Action taken

  ValueVision Media announced and completed the purchase of WWDP.

  Aftermath

  WWDP continued as a shopping-oriented station and remained part of the ShopNBC, Evine, and later ShopHQ distribution history.

  Source

• 2000

  Telemundo affiliationStrategy

  Background

  Telemundo sought a Boston-area distribution arrangement involving WWDP and the existing low-power affiliate WTMU-LP.

  Action taken

  WWDP and WTMU-LP operated as simulcasting Telemundo outlets under a local marketing arrangement.

  Aftermath

  The affiliation ended on July 1, 2002, and WWDP returned to home-shopping programming.

  Source

• 1997

  Paxson programming agreementStrategy

  Background

  After returning to the air, WWDP needed a sustainable programming and operating model. Paxson Communications was associated with the station through its founder and obtained control of most airtime under a local marketing agreement.

  Action taken

  Paxson used the station for inTV-style infomercial programming and prepared it for a possible Pax TV affiliation.

  Aftermath

  The arrangement led to the WBPX call sign but ended as Pax programming was consolidated on the stronger channel 68.

  Source

• 2026

  WWDP's proposed channel 36 relocation permit is canceled[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Regulation

  A construction permit for moving WWDP's digital operation to UHF channel 36 from the WBZ-TV tower in Needham was canceled.

• 2021

  RNN and iMedia Brands announce a ShopHQ affiliation agreement[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

  The parties announced that most RNN stations, including WWDP, would affiliate with ShopHQ. ShopHQ returned to WWDP's primary channel in June after a period on a secondary subchannel.

• 2017

  Evine Live agrees to sell WWDP to WRNN-TV Associates[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Evine Live announced an agreement to sell the station to WRNN-TV Associates. The transaction closed in December and included a channel-sharing arrangement involving WMFP.

• 2009

  WWDP completes its analog-to-digital transition[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Product generation · Regulation

  The station shut down its analog UHF 46 signal and moved its digital operation to VHF channel 10 while retaining virtual channel 46.

• 2003

  ValueVision Media acquires WWDP[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  The parent company of ShopNBC announced the purchase of WWDP to retain Boston-market distribution after another station was repositioned for Telemundo.

• 2002

  WWDP returns to shopping television[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The Telemundo arrangement ended on July 1, 2002, and WWDP resumed home-shopping programming, including America's Collectibles Network.

• 2000

  WWDP begins a short-lived Telemundo affiliation[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

  Telemundo announced that WWDP would become an affiliate through a local marketing arrangement with WTMU-LP, with the two stations simulcasting.

• 1999

  Channel 46 returns to the WWDP call sign[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  After Pax programming was moved to the stronger Boston-area channel 68, channel 46 resumed the WWDP identity and returned to an infomercial-based schedule.

• 1997

  WWDP becomes associated with Pax and inTV programming[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  Paxson Communications took control of a majority of the station's airtime through a local marketing agreement, and the station later adopted the WBPX call sign in preparation for Pax TV.

• 1996

  WWDP returns to the air after a multiyear silence[1]WWDPen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The station resumed broadcasting on December 18, 1996, after being off the air for more than seven years. It initially carried religious programming before shifting toward home shopping.

1. 1WWDPen.wikipedia.org
2. 2WRNN-TV Associates station informationrnntv.com