WDSI FOX 61 on WTVC 9.2?

[NashGuy]

Fixed.

No, Sinclair (which already owned WTVC 9) just bought WDSI 61 and WFLI 53 from New Age Media. After buying those two stations, Sinclair (new owner) put Fox on 9.2 as well as 61.1, where it already was. Additionally, My Network TV is on both 61.2 and 53.2. So channel 61 is pretty much redundant now, which is why folks are wondering if maybe Sinclair is going to take 61 dark or sell the license in the FCC auction next March.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/...ep/11/sinclair-buys-local-tv-stations/324534/

 

[mvcg66b3r]

Sinclair doesn't own WDSI or WFLI, they just run them. In fact, RabbitEars still lists New Age as WDSI's owner. A company can't legally own two Top 4 stations in one market, so Sinclair uses shell companies in some markets. They couldn't do this in Chattanooga or Tallahassee.

 

[NashGuy]

Sinclair doesn't own WDSI or WFLI, they just run them. In fact, RabbitEars still lists New Age as WDSI's owner. A company can't legally own two Top 4 stations in one market, so Sinclair uses shell companies in some markets. They couldn't do this in Chattanooga or Tallahassee.

Apparently the story in the Chattanooga Times is incorrect then, as it clearly states "Sinclair Broadcasting Group, which owns WTVC-TV9 in Chattanooga, paid $1.25 million last week to buy the assets and programming of New Age Media of Tennessee, which owns Fox-61 (Channel 61) and CW Chattanooga (Channel 53)". Regardless, the channel line-up changes happened after Sinclair's takeover and that's what sparked my question to Trip in VA about whether he thinks 61 could be put up for auction. Will be interesting to see what happens in the OTA TV landscape next year...

Edit: (As for Sinclair's ownership, Wikipedia clarifies that New Age Media still owns the broadcast license for 61. Apparently all other assets besides the license were sold to Sinclair.)

 

[Mr Tony]

Sinclair doesn't own WDSI or WFLI, they just run them.

no they dont. They bought the programming (FOX) from the old owner

A company can't legally own two Top 4 stations in one market,

Sure they can. Gray owns two top 4 stations in a few markets. They get around it by using LP stations in some areas.

so Sinclair uses shell companies in some markets.

nothing recent due to the FCC crackdown

 

[Mr Tony]

Apparently the story in the Chattanooga Times is incorrect then, as it clearly states "Sinclair Broadcasting Group, which owns WTVC-TV9 in Chattanooga, paid $1.25 million last week to buy the assets and programming of New Age Media of Tennessee, which owns Fox-61 (Channel 61) and CW Chattanooga (Channel 53)". Regardless, the channel line-up changes happened after Sinclair's takeover and that's what sparked my question to Trip in VA about whether he thinks 61 could be put up for auction. Will be interesting to see what happens in the OTA TV landscape next year...

It says they bought the programming and the assets of the other stations. But in reality they bought the FOX programming which is why its on the sub-channel of their ABC now. The fact its still on 61 is odd
unless they have a unique agreement.

They can help run those 2 stations until the end of next year when JSA's/LMA's are being outlawed