[5] While KPTV in Portland, Oregon, would be first to air, WHUM-TV's launch was looked at with interest by the industry because of its superior technical facility, introduction of UHF into an existing VHF market, and the presence of community antenna television systems that would redistribute the signal.

[14] The tower rose 1,036 feet (316 m) from atop a site on Blue Mountain near Summit Station, delivering a signal with an effective radiated power of 260,000 watts—then the highest in use at any UHF facility.

[18] Six months after signing on, the station almost faced calamity when a small plane clipped one of the guy wires supporting the WHUM-TV tower.

[19] A second outlet joined WHUM-TV two months later, when WEEU-TV (channel 33) began telecasting with NBC and ABC programs.

[1] A financial reorganization of Eastern Radio Corporation was carried out early in 1956, with founder Greig ceding the job of general manager to Robert C.

[13] In late August, the specter of additional competition arose when the commission approved a proposal to return WLBR-TV, channel 15 at Lebanon, to the air, under the ownership of Triangle Publications; WHUM-TV had joined three UHF outlets in the Harrisburg area in protesting the transaction.

On the afternoon of September 4, 1956, a lightning bolt struck the WHUM-TV tower and caused what was described as "extensive" damage to the waveguide and antenna; two days later, channel 61 announced its closure would be for good.