Circle (TV network)

Short description: Country music and lifestyle digital subchannel television network

Circle

Owned by|

* Circle Media
* (Gray Television 50%/
* Opry Entertainment Group 50%)

Country| United States
Language| English
Headquarters| Nashville, Tennessee
Website| circleplus.com

Circle, also known on-air as Circle Network, is an American digital multicast television network owned by Circle Media, LLC, a joint venture of Gray Television and Ryman Hospitality Properties subsidiary Opry Entertainment Group. The network's programming consists of country music oriented shows, and rural/blue collar themed material, featuring a mix of original and off-network shows.

The network is available primarily through the digital subchannels of broadcast television stations, as well as an ad-supported video-on-demand channel on Peacock and Stirr, along with national carriage on Dish Network and Sling TV. Cable television and IPTV providers may offer either the network's local affiliate, or the network's national feed on their systems.

Circle Media is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with offices at Ryman's E.W. Wendell Building and production facilities inside the Grand Ole Opry House. The network's flagship station is Gray's WSMV-DT5, a station which had been owned by a forerunner company of RHP until its sale in 1981 and separation from WSM and WSM-FM (Gray acquired the station from Meredith Corporation in 2021). The network is master controlled out of Gray's Atlanta hub.[1][2]

## Contents

* 1 Background
* 2 History
* 3 Programming
* 3.1 Current programming
* 3.1.1 Original programming
* 3.1.1.1 Music/interview programming
* 3.1.1.2 Lifestyle/entertainment programming
* 4 Affiliates
* 4.1 List of affiliates
* 4.1.1 Alabama
* 4.1.2 Alaska
* 4.1.3 Arizona
* 4.1.4 Arkansas
* 4.1.5 California
* 4.1.6 Colorado
* 4.1.7 Delaware
* 4.1.8 Florida
* 4.1.9 Georgia
* 4.1.10 Hawaii
* 4.1.11 Idaho
* 4.1.12 Illinois
* 4.1.13 Indiana
* 4.1.14 Iowa
* 4.1.15 Kansas
* 4.1.16 Kentucky
* 4.1.17 Louisiana
* 4.1.18 Maine
* 4.1.19 Massachusetts
* 4.1.20 Michigan
* 4.1.21 Minnesota
* 4.1.22 Mississippi
* 4.1.23 Missouri
* 4.1.24 Nebraska
* 4.1.25 Nevada
* 4.1.26 New York
* 4.1.27 North Carolina
* 4.1.28 North Dakota
* 4.1.29 Ohio
* 4.1.30 Oklahoma
* 4.1.31 Oregon
* 4.1.32 Pennsylvania
* 4.1.33 Puerto Rico
* 4.1.34 South Carolina
* 4.1.35 South Dakota
* 4.1.36 Tennessee
* 4.1.37 Texas
* 4.1.38 Vermont
* 4.1.39 Virginia
* 4.1.40 Washington
* 4.1.41 West Virginia
* 4.1.42 Wisconsin
* 4.2 Former affiliates
* 4.2.1 California
* 4.2.2 Iowa
* 4.2.3 Nevada
* 5 References
* 6 External links

## Background

Circle is Ryman Hospitality Properties' fourth entry into television network ownership. From its founding in 1983 until 1997, the company—known then as the Gaylord Entertainment Company—was owner of The Nashville Network (TNN). Gaylord later bought a second country music-oriented cable network, Country Music Television (CMT), in 1991. Gaylord Entertainment sold both networks to the CBS Cable unit of CBS Corporation in 1997 for $1.55 billion feeling that the two then-country networks could grow faster as part of a larger media company.[3] Gaylord, however, retained CMT International.[4] Gaylord Cable Networks took its stakes in TV Argentina and CMT International to launch the MusicCountry channel[5] in Mexico and Argentine in 2000. Then on September 1, 2000, the company launched the MusicCountry service in Europe. Gaylord would subsequently rebrand CMT channels in Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Asia-Pacific region's areas to the MusicCountry brand.[6]

## History

Towards the end of the 2010s, Ryman Hospitality Properties was looking to venture back into television, with its Opry Entertainment unit already having co-produced the dramatic series Nashville, along with the end of its partnerships to carry the Opry with CMT, then Great American Country, as their managements both shifted away from music programming and towards a more generic and broad-based focus on Southern culture. In 2018, Ryman had settled on a broadcast television network and began pursuing starting one as they felt country music fans are underserved. Ryman tested nine potential shows via a sizzle reel with excellent responses from focus group sessions.[1]

Ryman and Gray Television announced a joint venture between Gray and Ryman's subsidiary, Opry Entertainment Group on April 24, 2019 to launch a broadcast television network in early 2020 and an online streaming service later. The planned network would feature the Grand Ole Opry archives and performances from the Grand Ole Opry House and other Ryman-owned music venues.[1] On October 17, 2019, the joint venture partners would confirm that Gray-owned stations would be among the network's charter affiliates; they would also reveal on that date the network's name — Circle, which is a nod to the iconic 6-foot wooden section of stage at the Opry House (and that section's original home, Ryman Auditorium) on which various country stars have performed.[7]

On December 16, 2019, Circle's formal launch date of January 1, 2020 was announced for Circle, along with a roster of 16 new programs for the network. Additionally, CBS Television Stations was also announced as joining in Circle's list of charter affiliates, bringing major markets to the network's initial list of stations to 56 affiliates covering 50% of the country.[8] As of October 2020, Circle has 99 affiliates reaching 62.61% of U.S. TV households.[9]

## Programming

Circle currently provides up to 20 hours of programming to its owned-and-operated and affiliated stations on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time and on weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The remaining vacated hours are occupied by paid programming.

Circle features programming geared toward both fans of the country music genre and rural audiences, a similar demographic targeted by competing country music-oriented multicast networks Heartland (which, incidentally from 2012 until 2013, used The Nashville Network moniker once used by Ryman's original cable network venture) and The Country Network. Circle's programming primarily features a mix of original and acquired series with a country music or Southern lifestyle-centric format.

Circle currently broadcasts two simultaneous feeds: one for digital distribution, and the other for terrestrial distribution. The terrestrial feed (which typically appears as a digital subchannel of a major network affiliate station in numerous markets around the United States) airs classic movies and off-network syndicated programming, while the digital feed (distributed over streaming services such as Peacock and Roku) features more company-owned music-based programming. Those feeds converge for live programming, such as the daily simulcast of WSM Radio morning show "Coffee, Country & Cody" and Grand Ole Opry broadcasts, as well as during regular timeslots of Circle-produced original programming.

As the network was under development, Circle Media developed several original productions for the network's inaugural programming slate—aiming to make it one of a handful of digital multicast services that carry original programming, and one of the few (alongside the Live Well Network, which reduced its national distribution outside of sister networks ABC's owned-and-operated stations in January 2015, and its rebrand Localish) to offer a large original content slate. On December 11, 2019, Circle Media announced that it had greenlit 16 original programs slated to debut on the network in Circle's first five months of operation, including a simulcast of WSM Radio's Coffee, Country & Cody (which had previously aired on competing country music-oriented multicast network Heartland),[10][11] and the music and interview series The Dailey and Vincent Show which moved from the show's prior four-year home, RFD-TV.[12] and several docu-series (including Craig's World, a reality program centering on country artist Craig Morgan; Fandom, focusing on the artist-fan relationship in country music; Upstream, a fishing/interview program hosted by Elizabeth Cook; and several Grand Ole Opry-focused series such as Opry Debut).[13]

To help stations comply with FCC regulations, Circle airs E/I programming on late Sunday mornings, with programming sourced from Storrs Media/Telco Productions.

Among the initial offerings were all surviving episodes of Hee Haw.[13]

### Current programming

#### Original programming

##### Music/interview programming

* Backstage at the Opry (January 1, 2020–present) – Docu-series following artists preparing for performances at the Grand Ole Opry.[8]
* Bluebird Café Sessions (February 2020–present) – Music series featuring performances from popular and up-and-coming country artists, recorded at the iconic Bluebird Café in Nashville.[8]
* Coffee, Country & Cody (January 1, 2020–present) – Three-hour television simulcast of the WSM Radio morning program; hosted by Bill Cody with co-host Charlie Mattos and entertainment correspondent Kelly Sutton.[11] The show is produced by occasional co-host Eric Marcum and is broadcast live from WSM Radio's studio inside the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
* The Dailey & Vincent Show (January 1, 2020–present) – Music series hosted by the bluegrass/country/gospel duo of Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent featuring solo and collaborative performances with popular country music artists.[8]
* Fandom (February 2020) – Docu-series exploring the relationship between country artists and their fans from each's perspective.[8]
* Opry Live (February 2020–present)—One hour of an episode of the Grand Ole Opry; initially aired live in simulcast with the WSM radio broadcast,[14][8] since 2021, Opry Live has typically been a pre-recorded live to tape hour of a Tuesday or Friday Opry radio broadcast or previously televised live Saturday broadcast, allowing WSM to continue carrying less demographic-friendly acts, square dances and audience-participation bits.
* My Opry Debut (January 1, 2020–present) – Docu-series chronicling up-and-coming country artists making their debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry.[13]
* Opry Anniversary (January 1, 2020–present) – Docu-series chronicling country artists looking back at their debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
* Austin City Limits: Country (June 8-August 17, 2022) - Hosted by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, featuring classic Austin City Limits episodes with a country flavor, along with behind-the-scenes, and never-before-seen interviews.
* Opry Docs (January 1, 2020–present) – Docu-series hosted by contemporary artists chronicling the life and careers of legendary country musicians.[13]
* Phil Vassar’s Songs from the Cellar (January 2, 2020–present) – Music and interview series hosted by Phil Vassar, featuring interviews with artists, songwriters, entertainers, athletes and wine enthusiasts at his personal wine cellar.[8]
* The Write Stuff (January 7, 2020–present) – Docu-series chronicling the composition steps of country music's greatest songs.[13]

##### Lifestyle/entertainment programming

* Authentic America (January 2, 2020–present) – Hosted by veteran television host Nan Kelley and country artist Charlie Kelley, in which the married couple spotlight lesser-known attractions and eateries, and interesting people around the U.S.[13]
* Bellamy Brothers' Honky Tonk Ranch (January 1, 2020–present) – Reality series chronicling country duo David and Howard Bellamy's music career, and home and ranch life.[15]
* Better Half (January 2, 2020–present) – Reality docu-series chronicling the lives of the spouses of country and NASCAR stars.[13]
* Craig's World (February 2020–present) – Docu-series featuring Craig Morgan dealing with the music world, his businesses and his family.[8]
* Family Traditions (February 2020–present) – Docu-series profiling the descendants of legendary country music artists.[13]
* Southern Weekend (January 2, 2020–present) – Travel series highlighting attractions of note across the Southern U.S.; hosted by Natalie Stovall.[8]
* Stand Up Nashville! (January 3, 2020–present) – Stand-up comedy showcase recorded at Zanies Comedy Club in downtown Nashville.[13]
* Upstream (May 2020 – present) – A fishing program featuring host Elizabeth Cook conducting conversations with country artists at various fishing locations.[13]

## Affiliates

As of March 2020[update], Circle has current or pending affiliation agreements with 96 television stations in 96 media markets encompassing 39 states, covering 62.60% (or a total population of 195,620,130 residents) of all households in the United States that own at least one television set.[16] It is also carried as a live channel on NBC's streaming service Peacock, and on Vizio's Free Streaming Channels platform on their current generation of smart TVs.

Before its launch, Circle Media actively sought affiliation agreements with various television station owners to make the Circle network widely available throughout the United States. The network launched with clearance rate of, at minimum, 50% of overall American television households, in part due to affiliation agreements with stations owned by network co-parent Gray Television (initially encompassing 56 of the group's stations, with no clearance in approximately 15 other small-sized markets with a Gray-owned station)[7] and CBS Television Stations, which provided Circle broad clearance in the 25 largest U.S. markets (including New York City , Los Angeles , Philadelphia, San Francisco , Boston, Miami–Fort Lauderdale and Dallas–Fort Worth) through the group's CW O&Os and independent stations.[8]

Ironically at the network's launch, Circle was not available over-the-air in the network's headquarters of Nashville, despite its status as the hub of the country music industry. Gray Television did not own any television stations in the Nashville television market (the company was only in two of the six Tennessee-based television markets) until 2021, and did not secure a local affiliate prior the network's debut. The network gained an affiliate in that market on January 31, 2020, via the DT5 subchannel of (at the time) Meredith Local Media-owned NBC affiliate WSMV-TV, which was formerly owned alongside Ryman's Opry properties from 1950 until 1981 and had a short-lived launch affiliation with Heartland, which launched utilizing the trademark of The Nashville Network, but lost it a year later due to business disputes.[17][18] On May 3, 2021, Gray announced it was purchasing Meredith's broadcasting properties (and the sale was completed on December 1[19]), which made WSMV-TV both an O&O station for the network as well as its flagship station.[20]

In a few markets, the network is not available at all due to a lack of room to offer the network in full, but local stations such as Milwaukee's WVTV-DT2 carry the Opry telecast on a tape delay direct from Circle and air it on their primary channel as a Saturday night offering, along with The Song. Many Gray stations also carry both programs on their main channels to encourage viewership of the network.

Stations listed in BOLD are Circle owned-and-operated.

### List of affiliates

Note: Affiliate list current as of March 2023[update]:

City of license/market | Station[16] | Virtual
channel | Primary affiliation
(on main feed) | Owner  | Launch date  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|
|

#### Alabama

Birmingham/Tuscaloosa/
Anniston | WBRC | 6.3 | Fox | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[21] | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 6.5)
Huntsville/Decatur/
Florence | WAFF | 48.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[22] | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 48.5)
Mobile  | WALA | 10.5  | Fox  | Gray Television  | February 7, 2020  | New subchannel
Montgomery/Selma | WSFA | 12.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 12.3)

#### Alaska

Anchorage | KAUU | 5.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### Arizona

Phoenix | KTVK | 3.3 | Independent | Gray Television | February 2020 | New subchannel
Tucson | KOLD-TV | 13.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[23] |

#### Arkansas

Little Rock | KTHV | 11.5 | CBS | Tegna |  |

#### California

Bakersfield | KERO-TV | 23.7 | ABC | E. W. Scripps Company |  |
Los Angeles | KCAL-TV | 9.3 | Independent | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |
San Francisco, California /Oakland/
San Jose | KBCW | 44.5 | CW | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |

#### Colorado

Colorado Springs | KKTV | 11.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 6, 2020[24] |
Denver | KUSA-TV | 9.6 | NBC | Tegna | February 28, 2020[25] |

#### Delaware

Dover
(Salisbury, Maryland) | WMDE | 36.4 | ShopHQ | WRNN License Company | January 1, 2020 |

#### Florida

Gainesville/Ocala | WCJB-TV | 20.4 | ABC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Miami/Fort Lauderdale | WBFS-TV | 33.5 | Independent | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |
Panama City | WECP-LD | 18.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[26] | Displaced Heroes & Icons
(network moved to 18.4)
Sarasota | WWSB | 40.2 | ABC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
St. Petersburg/Tampa | WTOG | 44.5 | CW | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |
West Palm Beach | WFLX | 29.3 | Fox | Gray Television
(operated by the E. W. Scripps Company under an SSA) | January 1, 2020 |

#### Georgia

Albany | WALB | 10.5 | NBC  | Gray Television  | January 1, 2020  |
WGCW-LD | 36.2 | CW |
Atlanta | WPCH-TV | 17.3 | Independent | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Augusta | WRDW-TV | 12.4 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[27] |
Columbus | WTVM | 9.3 | ABC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Savannah | WTOC-TV | 11.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Thomasville
(Tallahassee, Florida) | WCTV | 6.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### Hawaii

Honolulu | KGMB | 5.2 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### Idaho

Caldwell/Boise | KNIN-TV | 9.4 | Fox | Marquee Broadcasting
(operated by the E. W. Scripps Company under an SSA) | January 1, 2020 |

#### Illinois

Chicago | WBBM-TV | 2.5 | CBS | CBS News and Stations | February 2023 |
Rockford | WIFR-LD | 23.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### Indiana

Evansville | WFIE | 14.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[28] | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 14.4)
Indianapolis | WTHR | 13.6 | NBC | Tegna | February 2020 | New subchannel
South Bend | WNDU-TV | 16.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[29] |

#### Iowa

Davenport | KWQC-TV | 6.6 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2021 | New Subchannel
Ottumwa/Kirksville, MO | KYOU-TV | 15.3 | Fox | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 15.5)
Sioux City | KTIV | 4.6 | NBC | Gray Television | February 2023 | New Subchannel

#### Kansas

Topeka | WIBW-TV | 13.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | New subchannel
Hutchinson/Wichita | KWCH-DT | 12.4 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | New subchannel

#### Kentucky

Bowling Green | WBKO-TV | 13.4 | ABC | Gray Television | December 27, 2022 |
Hazard | WYMT-TV | 57.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[30] |
Lexington | WKYT-TV | 27.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Louisville | WAVE | 3.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### Louisiana

Baton Rouge | WAFB | 9.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Lake Charles | KVHP | 29.3 | Fox | American Spirit Media
(operated by Gray Television via an SSA) | January 13, 2020 | Displaced Ion Television
(network moved to 29.4)
Monroe | KNOE-TV | 8.4 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2021 |
New Orleans | WVUE-DT | 8.3 | Fox | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[31] | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 8.5)
Shreveport | KSLA | 12.2 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 12.4)

#### Maine

Bangor | WABI-TV | 5.4 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[32] |

#### Massachusetts

Boston | WSBK-TV | 38.5 | Independent | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |

#### Michigan

Detroit | WKBD-TV | 50.5 | CW | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |
Flint/Saginaw/
Bay City | WJRT-TV | 12.3 | ABC | Allen Media Broadcasting | January 1, 2020 |
Lansing/Jackson | WILX-TV | 10.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[33] |
Marquette | WLUC-TV | 6.4 | NBC | Gray Television |  |

#### Minnesota

Duluth / Superior | K23MQ-D | 23.1 | Circle | Gray Television | February 2023 | New subchannel
Mankato | KEYC-TV | 12.3 | CBS | Gray Television | October 6, 2022 | New subchannel
Minneapolis | KARE-TV | 11.5 | NBC | Tegna | February 13, 2020 |
Rochester | KTTC | 10.6 | NBC | Gray Television | February 2023 |

#### Mississippi

Jackson | WLBT | 3.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[34] |
Biloxi | WLOX | 13.6 | ABC | Gray Television |
Hattiesburg-Laurel, Mississippi | WDAM | 7.5 | NBC | Gray Television |
Meridian, Mississippi | WTOK | 11.5 | ABC | Gray Television |

#### Missouri

Cape Girardeau
(Paducah, Kentucky) | KFVS-TV | 12.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[35] |
Kansas City | KQML-LD | 46.1 |  | HC2 Holdings | January 7, 2023 |
KSMO | 62.5 | MyNetworkTV | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
St. Louis | KMOV | 4.5 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Springfield | KYTV | 3.5 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### Nebraska

Grand Island/Hastings | KGIN | 11.5 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | Satellite of KOLN
Lincoln | KOLN | 10.5 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
North Platte | KNOP-TV | 2.4 | NBC | Gray Television | January 2, 2023 |
Omaha | WOWT | 6.6 | NBC | Gray Television |  |

#### Nevada

Reno | KOLO-TV | 8.4 | ABC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Las Vegas | KHSV | 21.3 | H&I | Howard Stirk Holdings | May 2021 | Displaced QVC
(network moved to 21.6)

#### New York

Binghamton | WBNG-TV | 12.6 | CBS | Gray Television | February 2023 |
New Rochelle
(New York City ) | WRNN-TV | 48.2 | ShopHQ | WRNN-TV Associates | January 1, 2020 |
Riverhead
(New York City) | WLNY-TV | 55.5 | Independent | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |

#### North Carolina

Charlotte | WBTV | 3.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Greensboro/Winston-
Salem/High Point | WFMY-TV | 2.5 | CBS | Tegna | February 2020 |
Greenville/New Bern/
Washington | WITN-TV | 7.6 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[36] |
Raleigh | WNCN | 17.4 | CBS | Nexstar Media Group | September 1, 2021
Wilmington | WECT | 6.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### North Dakota

Bismarck | KFYR-TV | 5.4 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Dickinson | KQCD-TV | 7.4 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | Satellite of KFYR-TV
Minot | KMOT | 10.4 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | Satellite of KFYR-TV
Williston | KUMV-TV | 8.4 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | Satellite of KFYR-TV

#### Ohio

Cincinnati | WXIX-TV | 19.3 | Fox | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[37] | Displaced Grit
(Grit moved to 19.4, forcing the displacement of Ion Television to 19.5)
Lorain/Cleveland | WUAB | 43.2 | The CW | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Columbus | WBNS-TV | 10.6 | CBS | Tegna | January 1, 2020 |
Toledo | WTVG | 13.4 | ABC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### Oklahoma

Tulsa | KJRH-TV | 2.6 | NBC | E. W. Scripps Company | May 17, 2022 |

#### Oregon

Vancouver, Washington–Portland, Oregon | KPDX | 49.3 | MyNetworkTV | Gray Television | June 17, 2022 |

#### Pennsylvania

Philadelphia | WPSG | 57.5 | CW | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |
Jeannette/Pittsburgh | WPCW | 19.4 | CW | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |

#### Puerto Rico

Toa Baja | W17DL-D | 17.3 | MeTV | TV Red Puerto Rico | February 1, 2020 |

#### South Carolina

Charleston | WCSC-TV | 5.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[38] | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 5.4)
Columbia | WIS | 10.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Myrtle Beach | WMBF-TV | 32.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[39] | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 32.5)

#### South Dakota

Lead | KHSD-TV | 11.2 | ABC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 | Satellite of KOTA-TV
Rapid City | KOTA-TV | 3.2 | ABC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### Tennessee

Knoxville | WVLT-TV | 8.4 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[40] |
Memphis | WMC-TV | 5.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[41] | Displaced Grit
(network moved to 5.4)
Broadcasts CW Sports programming on weekends.
Nashville | WSMV-TV | 4.5 | NBC | Gray Television | January 31, 2020[18] | Flagship station

#### Texas

Austin, Texas | KVUE | 24.5 | ABC | Tegna | Spring 2020 |
Belton
(Waco/Temple/Bryan) | KNCT | 46.2 | CW+ | Gray Television | January 13, 2020 | Replaced MeTV simulcast
(network remains available on KWTX-DT 10.3)
Borger
(Amarillo) | KEYU | 31.3 | Telemundo | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Fort Worth/Dallas | KTXA | 21.4 | Independent | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |
Houston | KHOU | 11.5 | CBS | Tegna | January 1, 2020 |
Lubbock | KCBD | 11.2 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[42] |
San Antonio | KENS-TV | 5.5 | CBS | Tegna | January 1, 2020 |
Sherman/Ada | KXII | 12.6 | CBS | Gray Television | January 2023 |
Tyler/Longview | KLTV | 7.2 | ABC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |
Wichita Falls/Lawton, OK | KAUZ-TV | 6.3 | CBS | American Spirit Media
(operated by Gray Television via an SSA) | January 13, 2020 |

#### Vermont

Burlington | WCAX-TV | 3.3 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[43] | Displaced Ion Television
(network moved to 3.5)

#### Virginia

Charlottesville | WVIR-TV | 29.6 | NBC | Gray Television | February 2023 |
Harrisonburg | WHSV-TV | 3.6 | ABC | Gray Television |  |
Norfolk | WTKR | 3.5 | CBS | E.W. Scripps Company |  |
Richmond | WWBT | 12.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[44] | Displaced Ion Mystery
(network moved to 12.4)
Roanoke | WDBJ | 7.2 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[45] | Displaced Heroes & Icons
(network moved to 7.3)

#### Washington

Tacoma/Seattle | KSTW | 11.5 | CW | CBS News and Stations | January 1, 2020 |

#### West Virginia

Huntington/Charleston | WSAZ-TV | 3.3 | NBC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[46] |
Weston/Clarksburg | WDTV | 5.4 | CBS | Gray Television | January 1, 2020 |

#### Wisconsin

Eau Claire | WEAU-TV | 13.3 | NBC | Gray Television | February 2020 | Displaced Heroes & Icons
(network moved to 13.6)
Green Bay | WBAY-TV | 2.3 | ABC | Gray Television | January 1, 2020[47][48] | Displaced Ion Television (now subchannel of Decades (TV network)
(network moved to 2.6)
Broadcasts MyNetworkTV programming on weekdays.
Wausau | WSAW-TV | 7.6 | CBS | Gray Television |  |

### Former affiliates

City of license/market | Station  | Virtual
channel | Primary affiliation
(on main feed) | Owner  | Year(s)  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|
|

#### California

Sacramento/Stockton/
Modesto | KMAX-TV | 31.5 | CW | CBS News and Stations | 2020–2022 | Became affiliate of Dabl (simulcast of KOVR 13.3); later became affiliate of Start TV (simulcast of KOVR 13.2)

#### Iowa

Cedar Rapids | KCRG-TV | 9.6 | ABC/MyNetworkTV/The CW | Gray Television | 2020–2021 | Displaced after station assumed CW affiliation for third subchannel, requiring removal of channels to provide HD signal

#### Nevada

Las Vegas | KLAS-TV | 8.4 | CBS | Nexstar Media Group | 2021 | Became affiliate of Rewind TV; newly-acquired station KVVU-TV likely to assume affiliation after one of its existing subchannel agreements expires

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Rau, Nate (April 24, 2019). "Ryman Hospitality expanding Nashville's country music brand with TV channel" (in en). The Nashville Tennessean (USA Today Network). https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2019/04/24/nashville-based-ryman-hospitality-launch-country-music-tv-channel/3554651002/.
2. ↑ Barnes, Jess (August 5, 2021). "Sling TV and DISH Will Add Country Music & Lifestyle Channel Circle Network". https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/exclusive-sling-tv-and-dish-will-add-country-music-lifestyle-channel-circle-network/.
3. ↑ "Gaylord Sells Country Music Channels" (in en). Tulsa World. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/gaylord-sells-country-music-channels/article_b75f8364-6ef0-58c9-b48e-56c375bfa56b.html.
4. ↑ Fabrikant, Geraldine (February 11, 1997). "Westinghouse To Buy Units From Gaylord For $1.5 Billion". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/11/business/westinghouse-to-buy-units-from-gaylord-for-1.5-billion.html.
5. ↑ Sutter, Mary (May 24, 2000). "Gaylord increases share in Argentine pay TV channels". https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/gaylord-increases-share-in-argentine-pay-tv-channels-1117782019/.
6. ↑ Stark, Phyllis (May 20, 2000). "Gaylord Plans Global Country Cable Channel". Billboard: 8,122. https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2000/BB-2000-05-20.pdf. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Miller, Mark K. (October 17, 2019). "New Country Multiplatform Network From Gray, Opry Entertainment Group To be Named Circle" (in en). TV News Check. https://tvnewscheck.com/article/240176/new-country-multiplatform-network-from-gray-opry-entertainment-group-to-be-named-circle/.
8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 Annie Reuter (December 16, 2019). "Opry Entertainment to Launch New Network Circle in 2020". Billboard (Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group). https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/8546479/opry-entertainment-launch-network-circle. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
9. ↑ Circle affiliate list on RabbitEars.info (accessed 10/24/2020)
10. ↑ Barry Courter (December 12, 2019). "Chattanooga-based television hub adds programming, national streaming access". Chattanooga Times Free Press. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/business/aroundregion/story/2019/dec/12/tv-hub-programming-streaming-access/510459/.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Coffee, Country & Cody Launches on CIRCLE - WSM News". WSM (AM) (Opry Entertainment Group). January 8, 2020. https://wsmonline.com/ccc-on-circle-launch/.
12. ↑ "THE DAILEY & VINCENT SHOW Announces New Network Home With Circle". December 12, 2019. https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/THE-DAILEY-VINCENT-SHOW-Announces-New-Network-Home-With-Circle-20191212.
13. ↑ 13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 Bethany Bowman (December 14, 2019). "New Country Music Network Circle to Launch January 1". Tennessee Star. https://tennesseestar.com/2019/12/14/new-country-music-network-circle-to-launch-january-1/.
14. ↑ "GRAY TELEVISION, Atlanta". TVNewsCheck. https://tvnewscheck.com/article/104638/11-gray-television-atlanta/.
15. ↑ Markos Papadatos (January 10, 2020). "Bellamy Brothers launch 'Honky Tonk Ranch' on the Circle Network". http://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/music/bellamy-brothers-launch-honky-tonk-ranch-on-the-circle-network/article/564958.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Stations for Network - Circle". https://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=Circle.
17. ↑ Marq Burnett (February 6, 2020). "Circling back: Ryman's TV network launches in Nashville". Nashville Business Journal (American City Business Journal). https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2020/02/06/circling-back-ryman-s-tv-network-launches-in.html.
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "The Circle Network Is Now on WSMV 4.5". January 31, 2020. https://www.nashvilledtvnews.info/post/The_Circle_Network_Is_Now_on_WSMV_4.5.
19. ↑ "Gray Television Closes on Acquisition of Meredith Corporation's Local Media Group" (Press release). Gray Television. Globe Newswire. December 1, 2021.
20. ↑ "Gray to acquire Meredith Corporation's Local Media Group in a $2.7 billion transaction". Gray Television. May 3, 2021. https://graytv.gcs-web.com/node/18171/pdf. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
21. ↑ Jenna Wood (December 31, 2019). "WBRC multicast lineup changes effective Jan 1". Gray Television. https://www.wbrc.com/2019/12/31/wbrc-multicast-lineup-changes-effective-jan/.
22. ↑ "Country music channel 'Circle' on 48.3". Gray Television. January 7, 2020. https://www.waff.com/2020/01/07/country-music-channel-circle/.
23. ↑ "Country music network Circle to launch with 16 shows, including 'Opry Live'". Gray Television. December 23, 2019. https://www.kold.com/2019/12/23/country-music-network-circle-launch-with-shows-including-opry-live/.
24. ↑ Tony Keith (January 6, 2020). "'Circle,' a new country music and lifestyle network launches on KKTV: Here's how to watch". Gray Television. https://www.kktv.com/content/news/Circle-a-new-country-music-and-lifestyle-network-launches-on-KKTV-Heres-how-to-watch-566677401.html.
25. ↑ Alexander Kirk (February 28, 2020). "9NEWS' new channel 9.6 is your country music destination". Tegna. https://www.9news.com/article/entertainment/television/circle-9news/73-1826f44b-2084-42bf-9358-0de2f95ac4e0.
26. ↑ "Country music channel 'Circle' to debut Jan. 1 on WECP 18.3". Gray Television. December 31, 2019. https://www.wjhg.com/content/news/Country-music-channel-Circle-to-debut-Jan-1-on-WECP-183-566601741.html.
27. ↑ "Country music channel 'Circle' to debut Jan. 1 on WRDW". Gray Television. December 23, 2019. https://www.wrdw.com/content/news/County-music-channel-Circle-to-debut-Jan-1-on-WRDW-566437651.html.
28. ↑ "Circle - A Country Lifestyle Network". Gray Television. December 9, 2019. https://www.14news.com/2019/12/09/circle-country-lifestyle-network/.
29. ↑ "Country music channel 'Circle' to debut Jan. 1 on WNDU 16.3". Gray Television. December 28, 2019. https://www.wndu.com/content/news/Country-music-channel-Circle-to-debut-Jan-1-on-WNDU-163-566542761.html.
30. ↑ "Here's where you can find WYMT's brand-new country music channel 'Circle'". Gray Television. December 31, 2019. https://www.wymt.com/content/news/WYMT-to-debut-new-country-music-channel-Circle-on-Jan-1--566599741.html.
31. ↑ "Here's where you can find the brand-new country music channel 'Circle'". Gray Television. December 31, 2019. https://www.fox8live.com/2019/12/31/heres-where-you-can-find-brand-new-country-music-channel-circle/.
32. ↑ "How to get access to our new country music network Circle beginning January 1st". Gray Television. December 31, 2019. https://www.wabi.tv/content/news/How-to-get-access-to-our-new-country-music-network-Circle-beginning-January-1st-566600101.html.
33. ↑ "Country music network 'Circle' to launch with 16 shows". Gray Television. December 11, 2019. https://www.wilx.com/content/news/Country-music-network-Circle-to-launch-with-16-shows-including-Opry-Live-103-566090611.html.
34. ↑ "What y'all need to know about the new Circle network". Gray Television. January 1, 2020. http://www.mississippiweekend.com/what-yall-need-to-know-about-the-new-circle-network/.
35. ↑ "More channels free from KFVS12". Gray Television. December 20, 2019. https://www.kfvs12.com/2019/12/20/free-programming/.
36. ↑ "Country music channel 'Circle' debuts Jan. 1 on WITN 7.6". Gray Television. December 30, 2019. https://www.witn.com/content/news/Country-music-channel-Circle-to-debut-Jan-1-on-WITN-76-566572481.html.
37. ↑ John Kiesewetter (December 27, 2019). "Grand Ole Opry, New Channels Coming To Cincinnati TV". Cincinnati Public Media, Inc.. https://www.wvxu.org/post/grand-ole-opry-new-channels-coming-cincinnati-tv.
38. ↑ Patrick Phillips (December 28, 2019). "Country music channel 'Circle' to debut Jan. 1 on WCSC 5.3". Gray Television. https://www.live5news.com/2019/12/28/country-music-channel-circle-debut-jan-wcsc/.
39. ↑ "Country music channel 'Circle' to debut Jan. 1 on WMBF News". Gray Television. December 27, 2019. https://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/12/28/country-music-channel-circle-debut-jan-wmbf-news/.
40. ↑ "How to get access to Circle Network". Gray Television. December 26, 2019. https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/How-to-get-access-to-Circle-network-566491111.html.
41. ↑ "How to get access to our new country music network Circle". Gray Television. December 26, 2019. https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/26/how-get-access-our-new-country-music-network-circle/.
42. ↑ "Coming to KCBD 11.2: Country music network Circle to launch with 16 shows". Gray Television. December 27, 2019. https://www.kcbd.com/2019/12/27/coming-kcbd-country-music-network-circle-launch-with-shows/.
43. ↑ Darren Perron (December 30, 2019). "How to watch our new, free country music network, Circle". Gray Television. https://www.wcax.com/content/news/How-to-watch-our-new-free-country-music-network-Circle-566572511.html.
44. ↑ "Here's where you can find the brand-new country music channel 'Circle'". Gray Television. January 1, 2020. https://www.nbc12.com/2020/01/01/heres-where-you-can-find-brand-new-country-music-channel-circle/.
45. ↑ "WDBJ channels get New Year update". Gray Television. December 12, 2019. https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/WDBJ-digital-channels-to-change-slightly-on-New-Years-Day-566086151.html.
46. ↑ Tony Rutherford (January 11, 2020). "Comcast Adds Three New Digital OTA Channels". The Huntington News. http://www.huntingtonnews.net/168418.
47. ↑ "Circle launches Jan. 1 on WBAY 2-3: Here's how to watch". Gray Television. December 31, 2019. https://www.wbay.com/content/news/Circle-launches-Jan-1-on-WBAY-2-3-Heres-how-to-watch-566603671.html.
48. ↑ "WBAY-TV adds channel 2-6". Gray Television. December 2, 2019. https://www.wbay.com/content/news/WBAY-TV-adds-channel-2-6-565715531.html.

## External links

* v
* t
* e

Broadcast television networks in the United States

* v
* t
* e

English-language broadcast television networks in the United States

Major|

* ABC
* CBS
* The CW
* Fox
* NBC

Other|

* AMGTV
* Ion Television
* Ion Plus
* MyNetworkTV
* Youtoo America

Public TV|

* PBS
* Kids
* American Public Television
* Create
* World
* Classic Arts Showcase
* FNX
* NASA TV

Specialty|

| Information|

* Cheddar
* NewsNet
* WeatherNation

|

Sports|

* Rev'n
* Stadium

Other|

* Family Channel
* NBC Lx
* Qubo
* Quest
* TBD
* Ethnic
* Asia Vision
* Bounce
* Soul of the South
* Lifestyle
* Dabl
* Localish
* Music
* CMC & CMC-USA
* Circle
* Country Network
* Heartland
* True Crime
* Court TV
* Justice

International|

* CaribVision
* Deutsche Welle
* France 24
* NHK
* Korean
* ArirangTV
* KBS America
* KEMS
* MBC
* SBS

Classic|

| General|

* Antenna
* Cozi TV
* Decades
* getTV
* Light TV
* MeTV
* Retro TV

|

Movies|

* Movies!
* This TV

Genre|

* Buzzr
* Charge!
* Comet
* Court TV Mystery
* Grit
* H&I
* Laff
* Start

Shopping/
infomercial|

* HSN
* Jewelry TV
* OnTV4U
* QVC
* ShopHQ
* Shop LC

Defunct|

| Major|

* DuMont
* NET
* UPN
* The WB

|

Minor|

* America One
* AIN
* Channel America
* FamilyNetc
* Hughes
* Mizlou
* N1
* NATVi
* NTA Film
* Omni
* Overmyer/United
* PTN
* Plum TV
* PTEN
* SFM Holiday
* Star TV
* Theater TV
* Tuff TV
* TVS
* UATV
* Variety
* The Works

Specialty|

* News
* ABC News Now
* All News Channel
* DoD News
* Local AccuWeather Channel
* NBC Wx+/NBC+
* TouchVision
* .2
* * MHz Networks
* MHz Worldviewi
* PBJ
* ResearchChannel
* Sportsmanc
* DrTV
* Sports
* American Sports Network
* FGO
* Universal
* WSTV
* Shopping
* America's Store
* Gems TV
* Gun TV
* Shop at Home

Music|

* Bohemia Visual Musici
* The Box
* MTV2c
* Tr3sc
* Retro Jams
* TheCoolTV
* The Tube

c \- Now cable-only, i \- Now internet-only

* v
* t
* e

Spanish-language broadcast television networks in the United States

Major|

* Azteca América
* Estrella TV
* Telemundo
* Univision

Minor|

* LATV
* Nuestra Visión
* TeleXitos
* UniMás
* Mega TV
* Multimedios

Specialty|

* Cine Mexicano
* Tele N
* MiCasa Network
* Mira TV
* ¡Sorpresa!
* TeLe-Romántica
* Tr3́s

Defunct|

* América CV
* Hispanic Television Network
* Inmigrante TV
* LAT TV
* MundoMax
* Soi TV
* TuVisión
* VasalloVision
* V-me

* v
* t
* e

Religious broadcast television networks in the United States

TBN Networks|

* TBN
* Hillsong
* JUCE
* Smile
* Enlace (Spanish language)
* Salsa
* TBN Francophone (French language)

English|

* Al Karma TV
* Adventist Review TV
* Amazing Facts TV
* BYU TV
* CatholicTV
* Catholic Faith Network
* CBN
* Christian Television Network
* Cornerstone
* Daystar
* EICB TV
* EWTN
* FBC
* GEB
* GLC
* GOD
* Hope
* IQRA TV
* It Is Written TV
* Loma Linda
* Sonlife
* 3ABN
* 3ABN Dare to Dream
* 3ABN International (with 3ABN Australia)
* 3ABN Kids
* 3ABN Praise Him Music
* 3ABN Proclaim!
* PTL
* Total Living (TLN)
* Tri-State
* Unity
* The Walk TV
* Word
* World Harvest
* Worship

Spanish|

* Aliento Vision
* Almavisión
* Aviva TV
* CTNi
* Esperanza TV
* Familia TV
* Fe-TV
* HCCN
* Iglesia JEMIR
* Red AdVenir
* Tele Vida Abundante
* 3ABN Latino
* Tvida Vision

French|

* 3ABN Français

* v
* t
* e

Additional resources on North American television

North America|

* List of local television stations in North America
* DTV transition
* North American TV mini-template

Canada|

* Canadian networks
* List of Canadian television networks
* List of Canadian television channels
* List of Canadian specialty channels
* Local Canadian TV stations
* List of United States stations available in Canada
* 2001 Vancouver TV realignment
* 2007 Canada broadcast TV realignment

Mexico|

* Mexican networks
* Local Mexican TV stations

United States|

* American networks
* List of American cable and satellite networks
* List of American over-the-air networks
* Television markets
* Major network affiliates
* Local American TV stations (W)
* Local American TV stations (K)
* Spanish-language TV networks
* 1994 United States broadcast TV realignment
* 2006 United States broadcast TV realignment
* List of Canadian television stations available in the United States

* v
* t
* e

Digital television in North America

Terrestrial|

| Digital broadcasting|

* ATSC tuners
* Digital subchannels
* Virtual channels
* Distributed transmission system
* Datacasting
* Guide Plus
* National Datacast
* UpdateLogic
* Metropolitan Television Alliance
* Grand Alliance

|

Digital switchover|

* All-Channel Receiver Act
* SAFER Act
* Digital channel election
* Set-top boxes
* Digital television adapter
* U.S. Converter Box Coupon Program
* legislation
* Analog passthrough
* DVD recorders
* Digital video recorders

Digital standards|

* ATSC Standards
* ATSC
* ATSC-M/H
* 8VSB
* A-VSB
* E-VSB
* PSIP
* PMCP
* full list
* Standard-definition TV
* 480i
* 576i
* Enhanced-definition TV
* 480p
* 576p
* High-definition TV
* 720p
* 1080i
* 1080p
* Ultra high-definition TV
* 2160p
* Serial digital interface
* Smart antennas
* CEA-909

Digital networks|

* see Template:American broadcast television
* Template:Canadian television networks

National deployment|

* List by country
* Canada
* Mexico
* United States
* HDTV
* transition
* wireless spectrum auction

Cable|

| Digital cable|

* Digital-cable-ready TV
* QAM tuners
* Interactive-digital-cable-ready TV
* OpenCable Application Platform
* Encryption
* Must-carry

|

Subscription TV|

* AllVid
* CableCARD
* Downloadable Conditional Access System
* Tru2way

Satellite TV|

* DVB-S
* Dish Network
* GlobeCast World TV
* Free-to-air receiver
* Bell TV/Telus Satellite TV
* Dish México
* DigiCipher 2
* 4DTV
* Shaw Direct
* Digital Satellite Service/DVB-S2
* DirecTV

IPTV|

* AT&T U-verse
* Bell Fibe TV
* FibreOP
* Telus Optik TV

Technical issues|

* 14:9
* Active Format Description
* Broadcast flag
* Channel protection ratios
* HDTV blur
* Hierarchical modulation
* Pirate decryption
* Standards conversion
* Video on demand

0.00

(0 votes)

|

Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Company:Circle_(TV_network)&oldid=784254"
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template