Is WWBT (NBC 12) on NextGen TV?

NBC · channel 12 · Richmond, VA (Richmond-Petersburg market)

Yes. WWBT still broadcasts its regular signal from its own transmitter, so nothing changed for your TV. A NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) version also airs from WUPV's transmitter (since April 11, 2022).

Source: FCC licensing records, checked October 29, 2026.

WWBT at a glance

Channel on your TV
12
Real (RF) broadcast channel
10 · VHF-high
Network
NBC
City of license
Richmond, VA
TV market
Richmond-Petersburg (#57)
License type
Full-power
NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0)
Yes — via WUPV
NextGen TV since
April 11, 2022
Old-format (1.0) signal
On its own transmitter
FCC facility ID
30833

How WWBT shares transmitters

During the switch, stations in a market pair up: one transmitter (the “lighthouse”) goes NextGen-only and carries everyone’s 3.0 versions, while its own old-format programming moves to a partner. Your TV shows the same channel numbers either way.

  • WWBT’s NextGen TV version airs from WUPV (CW 65) (RF 8).
  • WWBT’s transmitter also carries the old-format signal of WUPV (CW 65).

Questions about WWBT

Is WWBT broadcasting in ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV)?

Yes. WWBT still broadcasts its regular signal from its own transmitter, so nothing changed for your TV. A NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) version also airs from WUPV's transmitter (since April 11, 2022).

Will WWBT stop working on my TV?

Not under today's rules. Any full-power or Class A station that switches to NextGen TV must keep an old-format (ATSC 1.0) simulcast on the air, and that requirement has no end date. What could change it: broadcasters have asked the FCC to let full-power stations outside the largest markets end old-format signals in February 2030. The FCC's own October 2025 proposal leaned the other way — letting each station choose when to stop. A final decision is expected by the end of 2026.

Why can't I get channel 12?

Start with a full channel rescan (Settings → Channels → Auto scan) — stations change transmitters and frequencies more often than people expect. WWBT transmits on real (RF) channel 10, which is VHF-high. Many flat and "HD" indoor antennas are built mainly for UHF and do poorly on VHF-high (channels 7–13). If this station drops out while UHF stations come in, try an antenna that lists VHF-high reception, or one with rabbit-ear dipoles extended.

Why channels disappear → · Where the FCC decision stands → · Does my TV have a 3.0 tuner? →

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