WJHL-TV aired its first television broadcast on October 26, 1953. Hanes Lancaster, Jr. and Sr. and Jay Birdwell founded the station. Eventually the Lancaster's bought Birdwell's interest in the station and operated it from a location in downtown Johnson City that is now demolished. WJHL-TV has a partnership in convergence with the BRISTOL HERALD-COURIER and TRICITIES.COM. Tri-Cities viewers and readers are now able to receive up-to-the-minute news content online. This is a major commitment on the part of all three enterprises. WJHL-TV/11 Connects is owned by Media General, Inc., an independently owned communications company situated primarily in the Southeast with interests in newspapers, television stations and interactive media.