In 1991, the Jefferson-Pilot Corporation, then-owner of WJPR, proposed to merge WVFT's stronger programming inventory onto WJPR's schedule and turn WVFT into a full-time satellite station of WJPR. Family Group readily accepted the offer, and WJPR and WVFT began their joint simulcast later that year, at which time the stations began collectively branding as "Fox 21/27". The two stations provided a strong combined signal with 60% overlap, providing a clear picture for Fox programming throughout the market. Although channel 21 decently covers Roanoke, its analog signal left much to be desired in the New River Valley (despite having an effective radiated power of 4.1 million watts), where it provided Grade B coverage at best in parts of the region. Some areas of the New River Valley, along with other rural portions of the market, were among the few regions of the country where cable television service was still not readily available.