WPHL
Station Profile
We are Philadelphia! WPHL-TV, known as PHL17, signed on the air September 17, 1965. PHL17 produced and aired numerous local television shows over the years, including kids’ favorite Wee Willie Webber’s Colorful Cartoon Club, Dr. Shock’s Horror Theater, and the 1980s teen dance hit Dancin’ on Air that included the TV debut of Madonna. During much of the 1970s and 1980s, the station was known as “The Great Entertainer.” The station has a long history of carrying college and professional sports including the Phillies, Sixers, Flyers, Eagles, Big 5, MLS Union and NLL Wings. PHL17 was the home to the Mummers Parade for over 25 years, a New Year’s Day tradition in Philadelphia.
On September 1, 2023, the station became an affiliate of The CW Network which broadcasts LIV Golf, and ACC Football and Basketball. The station runs Philadelphia’s most popular sitcoms: Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, The Goldbergs, and Young Sheldon.
In addition to its popular programming, PHL17 is committed to serving the community. Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. we air “PHL17 Morning News”. Our four-hour newscasts include the news, weather, sports, and traffic that our viewers need to start their day. Seven days a week “Action News at 10pm” features the faces you trust from our partnership with WPVI. Our weekly locally produced program “Weekend Philler” gives our viewers the mic to tell their stories from all of the communities we serve in the Philadelphia region.
Market Profile
Philadelphia, PA is in the 5th largest DMA in the United States, with a population of approximately 7,978,342 and 3,145,920 television households, as reported by Nielsen Media.
Cable/ADS penetration in the market is estimated to be 49.2% cable, 4.9% ADS.
Philadelphia and the surrounding areas are home to many well-known historical sites like – the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Valley Forge. Healthcare, Pharmaceutical and Colleges/Universities continue to be economic drivers for the region. The Phillies (MLB World Series winners 1980 & 2008), Eagles (NFL Super Bowl winner 2018), Flyers (NHL Stanley Cup winners 1974 & 1975) and the Sixers (NBA Champions 1955, 1967 & 1983), the Union (MLS) and the Wings (NLL) all call Philadelphia home.
Source: Nielsen Viewers in Profile, Philadelphia December 2023
Station Contacts
Lloyd Bucher, VP & General Manager
Dave Yost, Director of Sales
Marques White, News Director
Wes Franks and Emma Alkire, Local Sales Managers
Mark Cifarelli, National Sales Manager
Jay L. Taylor, Creative Services Director