In 1978, Beam Broadcasters purchased the stations from Service Broadcasters; it ultimately owned three stations before almost being foreclosed on in 1989 to satisfy $45 million of debt that Beam owed Chase Bank; the company went into bankruptcy, emerged as Beacon Communications Corporation, and sold WDAM to Federal Broadcasting in 1990. The station was acquired by current owner Raycom Media in 1997. However, Raycom owned WHLT at the time and had to sell it to Media General in order to comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) duopoly rules.
Beam Broadcasters took control of the stations from Service Broadcasters in 1978; subsequently, the company encountered financial difficulties and was threatened with foreclosure in 1989, ultimately leading to bankruptcy and reorganization as Beacon Communications Corporation. In 1990, it sold WDAM to Federal Broadcasting, whereas Raycom Media acquired WHLT in 1997. Nonetheless, Raycom had to sell WHLT to Media General because of FCC rules.