Who Owns the Television Networks?

The ownership landscape of television stations has dramatically consolidated in recent years. Once considered large with 25 or 30 stations, some groups now own over 200. This consolidation has both positive and negative impacts on local news and programming.

The Pros and Cons of Media Consolidation

Large ownership groups can leverage economies of scale, negotiating better deals for expensive syndicated programming like “Jeopardy” or “Dr. Phil.” These groups, theoretically, should also have greater resources for investigative journalism, opening bureaus in Washington D.C. and offering career advancement opportunities for journalists. They can also centralize back-office functions, leading to cost savings.

However, the financial burden of acquiring numerous stations can lead to drastic cost-cutting measures. This can translate to fewer reporters, lower salaries, outdated equipment, and reliance on multi-media journalists to single-handedly handle reporting, videography, and live shots. Some groups even forgo essential resources like the Associated Press wire service, impacting the quality and breadth of news coverage. Managing a single television station is complex, encompassing advertising, journalism, technology, human resources, ethical considerations, social media, and federal licensing. Overseeing hundreds of stations presents a significant managerial challenge.

Network Ownership: O&Os and Affiliates

Major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox own and operate (O&O) stations primarily in large markets such as New York and Los Angeles. However, in smaller markets, the relationship between the network and local stations is contractual. For instance, while NBC owns its affiliate in Chicago, it doesn’t own any stations in Iowa. KCCI in Des Moines, owned by Hearst Television, has been a CBS affiliate since 1955, airing network programming and national news in exchange for carrying network commercials. This affiliate model extends to other networks and local stations across the country.

Major Players in Television Station Ownership

Several large ownership groups operate stations in Iowa, including Nexstar (Des Moines, Sioux City, Quad Cities), Sinclair (Des Moines, Sioux City, Cedar Rapids), Gray Television (Sioux City, Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids), and Tegna (Des Moines, Quad Cities). Hearst Television owns KCCI in Des Moines, while Allen Media owns KWWL in Waterloo. Nexstar, the largest owner, operates 200 stations in 116 markets. Sinclair, known for its conservative commentary, owns 185 stations in 86 markets. Tegna, spun off from Gannett in 2015, operates 64 stations in 51 markets. Hearst, a private company, owns 33 stations but holds a vast media empire encompassing newspapers, magazines, and cable networks.

Assessing the Quality of Local Television Stations

Viewers can gauge the quality of their local stations by observing the tenure of anchors and reporters. Experienced journalists who remain in a community often indicate a willingness to invest in quality news coverage. A high turnover of on-air staff may suggest low pay and less experience. Another indicator is the prevalence of original reporting. Investigative journalism and in-depth stories require resources, while newscasts filled with anchors reading over short videos might signal cost-cutting measures. While many broadcasters prioritize quality journalism, others focus primarily on profit. By understanding who owns their local stations and observing the content of local news, viewers can discern the difference.