WMBD-TV (Peoria, IL)

WMBD-TV is a television station that is affiliated with CBS and is based in Peoria, Illinois, serving the North-Central Illinois area. It transmits a high-definition digital signal on UHF channel 30, which is recognized as virtual channel 31 through PSIP. The station's transmitter is located on Pinecrest Drive in East Peoria, within Groveland Township in Tazewell County. WMBD-TV is owned by the Nexstar Media Group, which also manages WYZZ-TV, a Fox affiliate licensed to Bloomington, through a local marketing agreement with Cunningham Broadcasting. Both stations operate from shared studio facilities located on North University Street in Peoria. WMBD-TV began broadcasting on January 1, 1958, making it the third television station in the Peoria market, following WEEK-TV (channel 25) and WTVH (channel 19, formerly known as WHOI). Initially, it transmitted an analog signal on UHF channel 31 and was owned by John Fetzer, who also owned WMBD radio (AM 1470 and FM 93.3, now WPBG). The call letters for all three stations were inspired by a local tale in which President Theodore Roosevelt referred to Grandview Drive, the original site of WMBD radio, as “the World’s Most Beautiful Drive.” Since WMBD radio had a long-standing relationship with CBS, it was natural for channel 31 to switch its CBS affiliation from WTVH.

Local

English

Television

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#216926

United States

#48213

Arts and Entertainment/TV Movies and Streaming

#1229

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Home Sweet Home Ministries launch new fundraising campaign

1 day ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — A local non-profit launched a new campaign to raise money that will go towards helping unsheltered neighbors in Bloomington-Normal. Home Sweet Home Ministries’ “Build The Bridge” campaign hopes to raise $750,000, Home Sweet Home Director of Development Leslie Bunge said. The money will go towards developing “The Bridge,” which includes 48 private sleeping cabins and a central community building. The Bridge will be located at 104 East Oakland Avenue.
WATCH: Pritzker highlights efforts to expand workforce training at ICC

1 day ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

UPDATED: Second man arrested in connection to South … Homicide vs Murder vs Manslaughter Is violent crime going up in America? Mayor: The State of Peoria is strong Gov. JB Pritzker’s reelection rally in Chicago Teenager killed in Normal after being hit by a train, … ‘Suspicious’ car fires under investigation at West … Morton High School baseball coach resigns ahead of … Peoria Heights implements allergy-friendly signs …...
Body found during missing person search in LaSalle County

2 days ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

LASALLE COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD) — The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office located a body while looking for a missing person on Wednesday. Sheriff Adam Diss said they first received a report of a missing person at 5:12 p.m. on Tuesday and began to search. On Wednesday, a body was located near a field in the area of East 18th Rd. and south of N. 19th Rd. The LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Wisconsin Search Dogs, and Illinois State Police Air Operations all assisted with the search.
Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival reveals new artists

2 days ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival has revealed the second round of musical artists that will be taking part in its 35th annual celebration. The festival will take place along the Peoria Riverfront on Labor Day weekend from Aug. 29 to 30, Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment Spokesman Ian Strasser said. The newly announced artists include:Taj Farrant – The teenage guitar prodigy making global waves with jaw-dropping talent and viral performances.
Connect Transit to launch new rural serve in July

2 days ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — Connect Transit announced that it will be launching a new transportation service next month. “Connect Go” will enhance public transit access to residents in the rural areas of McLean County, Connect Transit Spokesman Mark Huffman said. The service will provide door-to-door service on Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations should be made one to three days in advance.
GALLERY: Distressed duck family safely relocated in Bloomington

2 days ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

by: Sean Lisitza Posted: Jun 25, 2025 / 03:10 PM CDT Updated: Jun 25, 2025 / 03:10 PM CDT BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — City of Bloomington employees worked fast to help a family of ducks on Wednesday. The ducks were initially located by a Bloomington Public Works employee outside the Citizen Convenience Center, according to a city Facebook post.
ISU campus shooting suspect arrested in Chicago by U.S. Marshals

3 days ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — A man who was allegedly involved in a shooting at the Bone Student Center on Illinois State University’s campus was taken into custody on Tuesday. Emir Thomas, 19, of Chicago, was arrested in Chicago by the U.S. Marshals and was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery-discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, according to an Illinois State University Police Department Facebook post.
Scott Hamilton to speak at 30th Anniversary Evening of Stars

3 days ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — The American Red Cross announced that Olympic figure skating gold medalist Scott Hamilton will be the keynote speaker of the next Evening of Stars event. The 30th anniversary of the Evening of Stars event will be held in the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University on Nov. 12, Central Illinois Red Cross Communication Manager Mara Thompson said. Scott Hamilton will speak about his career.
Body found in vacant lot near Costco, no foul play

3 days ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The East Peoria Police Department responded to a report of a body found in a vacant lot near Costco on Tuesday. Deputies responded to the scene and located the person, Deputy Chief Jason Ernst said. No foul play is suspected at this time. No other information is available at this time. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow, said Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley.
Giant anteater born at Miller Park Zoo

3 days ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Sean Lisitza

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — The Miller Park Zoo was excited to announce that a giant anteater was born in the Zoo on June 16. The zoo’s veterinary team was monitoring the female anteater named “Chili,” and determined she was pregnant after an ultrasound, Zoo Director Jay Pratte said. The baby anteater was found clinging to its mother when zoo staff arrived on June 16. Both Chili and the baby have been under constant observation since, and have been doing well, Pratte said.