Channel 23.1 digital aired its first broadcast on October 13th, 2011 as FOX 23 for Hattiesburg and Laurel, MS (owned by WHPM-TV, LLC and Heart Felt Productions, LLC). The tower is located off of Old Hwy 11 near Route 98.

 

Previously, WHPM was located on channel 30 as a low power analog religious channel for the Hattiesburg area owned by Dean Mosley of Louisiana. After being off the air for some months, Michael Reed acquired the FCC license from Dean and began building the new facilities with a new transmitter, transmission line, and antenna designed to maximize the power output on channel 23.

 

The station’s intent is to bring a local flavor to Hattiesburg and Laurel residents and viewers. Heavy involvement in the community with charities and non-profits to assist in caring for the residents of the area is a passion. Programming such as Saints Football will be a highlight offered on the NFL on FOX broadcasts in HD. Southern Miss and Conference USA Football and Basketball will also be offered along with the full lineup of sports on FOX including the World Series, Big 10, PAC 12, MLB and NASCAR. For entertainment, the station will offer Daytime talk shows, court shows will fill the mid-day, and a top game and comedy block to round out the afternoons.

 

Monday, October 5, 2015 WHPM launched the first-ever primetime local newscast with FOX 23 News @ 9.  The Monday through Friday, thirty-minute program offers the day's top stories, sports, and weather, with local reporters delivering stories important to the Pine Belt.

 

WHPM serves as Hattiesburg's only locally owned and operated TV station.

 

Created: Oct 17, 2011

Edited: April 9, 2019

Prepared by Michael Reed