We can’t pinpoint the exact time and date for switching to Channel 35 due to project uncertainties. The timing will depend on the weather and how quickly the tower crew can replace our Channel 5 antenna with the new 1,250 lb. channel 35 antenna on our 600-foot tower. We’re aiming for September 30th, but it might be as much as a week earlier or later. You can regularly check on our website for an announcement that we switched. Plus, WLMB.com will regularly have progress reports and the latest news updates.

We will continue to be known as WLMB-TV 40, even though we will soon technically be broadcasting on UHF Channel 35 starting in September 2024. The Federal Communications Commission requires us to keep the WLMB-TV 40 name on air. WLMB first broadcasted on UHF Channel 40 from 1998 to 2009. After the government-mandated switch to digital TV in 2009, WLMB was assigned our current VHF Channel 5 by the government, which will cease being used when “WLMB-TV 40” switches to broadcasting on our UHF Channel 35.

Yes, we need to shut down our broadcast to replace WLMB’s old transmitter and antenna with the new. We expect this process to take one long day, but please be patient if there are delays and it takes longer. During this time, you can still watch WLMB on our online streaming apps or on Buckeye Cable only. There will be a short loss of programming for everyone else watching by cable, satellite, or antenna. The installation of the transmitter and antenna will begin on September 16th and take about 2-3 weeks to fully complete, but largely should not interfere with our programs being broadcast until the one-day switch over to the new transmitter and antenna on or about September 30th.

No. If you currently watch WLMB by Cable TV, Satellite TV, or online streaming, you can continue to do so with no changes whatsoever. You need not worry at all. When we make the channel switch on or about September 30th, your experience will be seamless and all the channels you currently watch us on will be unchanged.

After the switch to channel 35 happens, simply connect your antenna to your TV. Then, in your TV settings menus, select the option to scan for channels. Once the channel scan is complete, check your TV channels to see if channel 40 shows up and enjoy. There will also be many educational videos, tips, and more help on WLMB’s website for those with additional questions.

Yes, watching by antenna guarantees the best picture and sound quality. Plus, you will find WLMB’s second channel (40.2) that carries RadiantTV 24/7. Down the road, we may also add other subchannels for you to enjoy, which will not be available through cable or satellite. Plus, best of all, there are no monthly bills to pay once you have an antenna for the rest of your life.

For most viewers in the WLMB viewing area the answer is yes, but the number of other stations you may receive will vary greatly and depend on your location. We will provide links on WLMB.com to help you find out what other free broadcast channels are in your area. Many viewers will be surprised to learn they can get over 30 channels for free. Cutting the cord is becoming more popular, saving people money on expensive cable bills.

Check out WLMB.com and look at our signal strength maps and other helpful resources.

WLMB will have some recommendations and tips on what to look for and buy on WLMB.com when it is time for you to buy your antenna. We will do our best to make this switch as easy as possible for you.

WLMB will show up on your TV as channel40.1 or it may also say 40-1 depending on the manufacturer of the TV. Also, any of WLMB’s subchannels will appear with the number 40 first and have a dash with another number like our RadiantTV channel as 40-2or our 40-6Channel which currently has the Central Ohio Association of Christian Broadcasters Channel.

WLMB.com will have a myriad of online tools to help if this should occur, and this can often be simply resolved with WLMB’s easy to follow troubleshooting guide.

Visit WLMB’s online FAQ page, which we’ll keep updated to address any concerns. If you don’t have internet access, you can call our office during business hours, and we’ll do our best to assist you.

The staff at WLMB will not be making house calls to set up antennas and channel scan for WLMB, but check out our website for area resources should you need this level of tech support.