Are Multiple Networks Per Station The Future? It's an intriguing question that has been making waves in the television industry. The recent developments in Miami and St. Louis have certainly caught the attention of many, and for good reason. The idea of multiple networks per station is not entirely new, but the way it's being approached now is certainly innovative. In Miami, WPLG made headlines when it dropped its long-time ABC affiliation and became a full-fledged independent station. This move was driven by the station's desire to break free from what it considered exorbitant affiliation fees. With the backing of Berkshire Hathaway, WPLG was able to take a significant risk and expand its local news offerings. But what's truly fascinating is what happened next. WSVN, a station in Miami, became both a Fox and ABC affiliate, branding both networks and carrying WSVN's local newscasts. This is a prime example of how multiple networks per station can be a financial windfall. The ability to sell prime-time programming on both networks, coupled with national sports rights, is a dream come true for any station. And it's not just Miami. In St. Louis, Gray Television announced its acquisition of ABC rights, adding to its existing CBS affiliation. This move is expected to have a significant financial impact, and it's a clear indication that multiple networks per station can be a viable strategy. However, it's not without its challenges. Nexstar, for instance, has had to deal with the loss of CBS affiliations in several markets. While they've managed to spin the situation by claiming some stations will become 'network-owned' CW affiliates, the reality is that the transition is not easy for the staff and general managers. But here's where the real intrigue lies. The ability to offer multiple networks per station opens up a world of possibilities. What if a station decided to leverage the power of smartphones and ordinary people as citizen journalists? What if breaking news stories were covered by dozens of people feeding live video to the station at the same time? This would be a revolutionary shift in television news, breaking all the traditional gatekeeper rules. It would be a bold move, but one that could potentially redefine the future of local broadcasting. The implications are far-reaching. With multiple networks per station, the traditional model of a single network per station could be disrupted. This could lead to a reduction in the number of players in the local news business, as stations with weak news ratings or poor coverage might be tempted to switch networks. The FCC is also taking a closer look at these changes, which could impact future deals. So, is multiple networks per station the future? It's hard to say for sure. There are significant barriers to such a move, and it's not a strategy that would be justified in every market. But one thing is clear: the television industry is at a crossroads. The traditional model is evolving, and the future of local broadcasting is being rewritten. As we move forward, we can expect more changes and innovations that will shape the industry in ways we can't yet fully comprehend. The question is, are we ready for it?
