This fall, Weigel Broadcasting will debut West, a new over-the-air digital multicast network specializing in classic television westerns. The network, whose name stands for Western Entertainment Series Television, will initially air on Weigel-owned stations. The company anticipates securing additional carriage agreements in the near future.
West's programming will include a diverse selection of beloved series such as “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” “Maverick,” “Rawhide,” “The Virginian,” “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” “Have Gun, Will Travel,” “The High Chaparral,” “Wagon Train,” “The Big Valley,” and “The Wild Wild West.” “This will be dedicated 24/7 to showcasing the most beloved and iconic classic TV western series,” stated Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting Co.
West will be Weigel's tenth channel, joining an existing portfolio that includes MeTV, MeTV Toons, Start TV, Heroes & Icons, Catchy Comedy, MeTV+, Story Television, Dabl, and Movies!. Jeff Nash, senior vice president of network sales at Weigel, attributed the channel's launch to “years of client feedback and growing demand.”
West will compete with other broadcast networks focusing on western programming, such as INSP and Grit. This announcement follows a recent surge in popularity of classic western content, notably “Gunsmoke,” on streaming platforms and in Nielsen ratings.