WQEX will have a new callsign

Several sources are reporting that pending the FCC approval of the sale of Channel 16 from WQED Pittsburgh to Ion Media Networks, WQEX will become WINP – “Win Pittsburgh Over”. This is not the first time Ion has come calling for Channel 16. Under its original name – PAX Networks – the company had once offered a 3-way deal involving Cornerstone Television for which Cornerstone would get Channel 16 (still under the educational license) and PAX would take Channel 40. The sale fell through after Cornerstone learned the amount of religious programming they could air on 16 would probably be limited due to the licensing. Additionally, Pittsburgh native Diane Sutter and her Shooting Star Broadcasting made an offer for the station which fell through. The deals which fell through were both worth considerably more than the $3 million Ion has agreed to pay for Channel 16.