Umm.. I know the difference between national and local programming. i've seen local programming in HD. I've seen news programming in HD. I've also seen local programming NOT shot in HD. One day they WILL ALL be in HD. To do this they will need to purchase new equipment. Those cameras and "technology" cost $$. I'm just saying in this case, some stations are probably trying to recoup/fund costs when they negotiate new contracts.
I think it's more likely they just want money period and whether they'll use it for HD production hardware or not is irrelevant.. Those dollars fold into a wallet just as well as they spend for HD production gear.