WECT News Company Profile

Background

WECT News, operating under the call sign WECT, is an NBC-affiliated television station serving Wilmington, North Carolina, and the surrounding southeastern region. Established on April 9, 1954, as WMFD-TV, the station has a longstanding commitment to delivering accurate, relevant, and timely news coverage. Its mission is to serve the community by providing a platform for local voices and issues, ensuring comprehensive reporting on matters that impact the region. WECT's vision is to be the leading source of news and information in southeastern North Carolina, fostering community engagement and trust through transparent and responsible journalism.

Key Strategic Focus

WECT News focuses on comprehensive local news coverage, emphasizing areas such as local politics, community events, health and safety, education, and the economy. The station leverages digital platforms to enhance accessibility and engagement, maintaining an active presence on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This digital strategy aims to foster a sense of community among viewers and provide timely updates across multiple platforms.

Financials and Funding

As a subsidiary of Gray Television, WECT News benefits from the financial backing of its parent company. Gray Television, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, acquired WECT as part of its $3.6 billion acquisition of Raycom Media in January 2019. This acquisition expanded Gray's portfolio to include stations in 91 markets, representing 24% of U.S. television households.

Technological Platform and Innovation

WECT News has embraced technological advancements to enhance its broadcasting capabilities. In August 2008, the station upgraded its local news production to high-definition, becoming the first in the Wilmington market to do so. This transition included the broadcasts on its sister station, WSFX-TV. Additionally, WECT has expanded its digital presence, offering a user-friendly website and active engagement on social media platforms to provide timely news updates and foster community interaction.

Leadership Team

Mark Mendenhall: Vice President and General Manager. A North Carolina native, Mark began his broadcasting career as a news announcer at WKNC while attending NC State University. After graduating, he worked as an Account Executive at WLFL-TV in Raleigh before moving to Wilmington in 2002.

Brad Myers: News Director. Brad joined WECT in 2016 as the Executive Producer for "Carolina in the Morning" and has since advanced to the role of News Director, overseeing the station's news operations.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Wilmington, North Carolina, media market is competitive, with several local news outlets vying for audience attention. WECT News maintains a strong presence in this market, offering comprehensive news coverage and leveraging digital platforms to engage viewers.

Competitor Analysis

WWAY-TV: A primary competitor, WWAY-TV is an ABC/CBS/CW-affiliated station serving the Wilmington area. It offers local news coverage and has a significant online presence.

StarNews Online: The digital platform for the Wilmington Star-News newspaper, providing in-depth local news, sports, and entertainment coverage.

WRAL-TV: Based in Raleigh, WRAL-TV is an NBC-affiliated station with a broader regional reach, offering extensive news coverage that occasionally overlaps with the Wilmington market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

WECT News operates alongside its sister stations, WSFX-TV (Fox affiliate) and WTWL-LD (Telemundo affiliate), under shared services agreements. This collaboration allows for resource sharing and expanded coverage, enhancing the station's ability to serve diverse audiences within the region.

Operational Insights

WECT News differentiates itself through a commitment to high-quality journalism, technological innovation, and community engagement. The station's early adoption of high-definition broadcasting and its active digital presence position it competitively within the Wilmington media market. Additionally, the support from parent company Gray Television provides financial stability and access to a broader network of resources.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, WECT News aims to continue expanding its digital footprint, exploring new platforms and technologies to reach a broader audience. The station is also focused on enhancing community engagement through interactive content and partnerships with local organizations. By leveraging the resources and expertise of Gray Television, WECT is well-positioned to adapt to the evolving media landscape and maintain its status as a trusted news source in southeastern North Carolina.