What Happened to Local Channel 43.6?
Hey there West Michigan antenna viewers,
Hope you’re ready for another spin on the Great Over-the-Air (OTA) Channel Carousel! If you’ve been diligently following Scripps News on channel 43.6, sipping your coffee and enjoying journalistic nuggets all day, you may have noticed it suddenly went “poof” like a New Year’s resolution to use that gym membership. But don’t worry, I’m here to break down what happened, where you can still find Scripps News, and why, unlike cable channel shuffles, this change didn’t come with an “upgraded” monthly bill. (Score one for antenna users.) Oh, and I’ll also be informing you of their ties with Fox17 WXMI.
What Happened to Scripps News?
Picture this: it’s a typical day in the Scripps programming headquarters. Somewhere between the third coffee break and a hearty debate over the best ’90s TV shows, a decision was made: Scripps News would step aside, and Ion Plus would step in on channel 43.6, and likely across the United States on all local broadcasting. Effective November 15, 2024, this change took place faster than you could say “channel rescan.” Why? Because Scripps decided that Ion Plus, with its mix of dramas, movies, and general entertainment, deserved a prime spot back on OTA TV. And don’t bother looking for it on another channel. A quick broadcast search on Scripps News’ website shows this message for all of Michigan, “Sorry there are no channels carrying Scripps News in your area at this time.”
Ion Plus, for those wondering, isn’t exactly new to the scene. It started life as Ion Life, focused on lifestyle programming—think “How to Make Your Succulent Garden Thrive” kind of content. Over the years, it transformed into a general entertainment hub, offering dramas, syndicated series, and feel-good TV movies. So if you’re ready for some low-stakes but entertaining TV to go with your afternoon snack, Ion Plus has you covered. Just kidding! Ion Plus actually has some high rated shows like: “Bull”, “48 Hours,” and “Leverage.”
Why the Switch?
You might be thinking, “Why boot Scripps News?” Good question. The answer lies in a common TV network practice known as “repackaging”—not unlike what cable companies do when they shuffle channels into more expensive tiers to get you to spend more money. (Looking at you, Comcast and Charter.) But there’s one big difference here: antenna users don’t get a bigger bill. Nope, no surprise charges or “service fees.” Just a simple reorganization of your free TV lineup, which, in my opinion, is at least a little more palatable than your cable provider suddenly making you pay for the “platinum sports package” when you just wanted to watch a local game.
Scripps News Announcement
In a November 15 announcement about the change, Scripps News mentioned that they believe streaming is the future of their business and is well-positioned to reach audiences where they are consuming content. So, they’ve packed up their over-the-air bags and moved into the digital realm.
Who’s Who in the TV Zoo?
Let’s untangle the corporate spaghetti:
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E.W. Scripps Company: The big cheese. Founded in 1878 as a newspaper, they’re a major player in the broadcasting world today. Wikipedia
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Scripps Networks: A division under the E.W. Scripps umbrella, housing various networks like Bounce TV, Court TV, and yes, Ion Plus. Wikipedia
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Ion Plus: Originally launched as Ion Life, it transformed into Ion Plus, offering a mix of dramas, movies, and general entertainment. Wikipedia
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Fox17 WXMI: E.W. Scripps Company owns local Fox17 broadcast and several other OTA stations across the United States. In Michigan alone, they currently own not only Fox17, but these ones as well:
WXYZ-TV (Channel 7): An ABC affiliate serving the Detroit area.
WMYD (Channel 20): An independent station in Detroit.
WXMI (Channel 17): A Fox affiliate serving the Grand Rapids–Kalamazoo–Battle Creek market.
WSYM-TV (Channel 47): A Fox affiliate serving the Lansing–Jackson area.
These stations are part of Scripps’ portfolio in Michigan, providing a range of programming across the state.
In short, E.W. Scripps owns Scripps Networks, which in turn runs Ion Plus. They also own several OTA TV stations. It’s like a corporate a tangled web of corporate handshakes.
What Does This Mean for Your Antenna?
For all you antenna enthusiasts, this change means you’ll now find Ion Plus on channel 43.6, bringing a fresh lineup of entertainment to your screens. And the best part? No surprise charges or “service fees”—just a simple reorganization of your free TV lineup. So, while Scripps News has moved to the digital domain, your trusty antenna still delivers quality content without the cable company shenanigans.
Is FOX17 Next?
As it stands, there is no announcement to also pull their local OTA stations like Fox17 off air and into streaming exclusively…yet. Who’s to really say, however, as Scripps News never announced their departure from the airwaves until the day it happened. Thanks for the heads-up to all your local viewers, Scripps! 🙄 I’ll be keeping you informed on this matter. So, if you’re reading this and not already signed up for the Tuned-In Newsletter, scroll below and sign up.
Where’s Scripps News Now?
If you’re mourning the loss of Scripps News on 43.6, fear not—it hasn’t gone to the big TV tower in the sky. You can still catch Scripps News in a variety of ways:
- Streaming Services: Scripps News is available for streaming through platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and other digital streaming devices. Look for it under LIVE TV, Pluto, XUMO, Tubi, and wherever news is streamed. It’s like inviting an old friend over—only this time, it’s through Wi-Fi.
- Website Livestream: You can also watch Scripps News live directly on their official website whenever you want. Consider this your “direct connect” option for staying informed, even if it means streaming on your phone while waiting in line for coffee.
- For Samsung TV Plus TV Owners: On Samsung TV Plus, Scripps News is your trusty guide to current events, nestled comfortably on channel 1119 (subject to change).
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LG Channel TV Owners: If you’re cruising through LG Channels, you’ll find Scripps News holding court on channel 136. The Channel List.
What Does This Mean for You?
In the grand scheme of things, this change highlights the unpredictable yet free nature of over-the-air TV. Unlike cable, which often moves channels around to justify new bundles and squeeze more money out of your wallet, antenna channel shuffles don’t come with a “convenience” fee or mysterious “regional couch potato tax.” It’s all part of the deal: free TV comes with variety and, occasionally, surprise twists. Over the years, the lineup has went from 9 local Grand Rapids area channels to 62 today. So broadcasting is still going in the right direction.
Now, About Ion Plus…
Ion Plus has taken up residence on 43.6, and it’s ready to deliver dramas, movies, and bingeable series right into your living room. Maybe it’ll become your new favorite for background noise or maybe you’ll discover a hidden gem of a show you’d never seen before. Who knows—there’s something oddly comforting about discovering “new” reruns.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Shuffle
TV lineups change. Channels come and go. But one thing remains constant: Transition TV’s got your back. As owner/operator, I’ll help you navigate every switch, shuffle, and antenna angle change so you never miss what matters most. And hey, no extra monthly charge for all this support, either.
So, go ahead, give Ion Plus a whirl. And when you miss Scripps News, remember it’s still just a few clicks away online, streaming live like a champ. This is the life of the modern cord-cutter—ever-changing, but never dull.
Stay entertained, stay informed, and don’t touch that antenna without consulting me first.
Yours truly,
Jeramie Curtice
Transition TV Owner & Resident Channel Whisperer
