*As major broadcast groups continue expanding their control over local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates, DIRECTV is asking federal regulators to pause and take a harder look at the consequences for local journalism.
In a filing to the Federal Communications Commission, the satellite provider outlined how common it has become for a single company to operate multiple major network stations within the same market, Cord Cutters reports. The company’s review found close to 100 duopolies, more than a dozen triopolies, and several quadropolies across Nielsen Designated Market Areas. Network-owned stations and combinations involving smaller affiliates such as The CW or My Network TV were not included in the analysis.
Large station owners named in the filing include Nexstar Media Group, Sinclair Broadcast Group, E.W. Scripps Company, Hearst Television, Lilly Broadcasting, Gray Television, and Tegna Inc. The submission arrives as Nexstar moves forward with acquiring another significant portfolio of network-affiliated stations from Tegna, further increasing consolidation in several markets.
According to DIRECTV, when companies control multiple major affiliates in one city, operational integration often follows. Rather than maintaining distinct news teams, stations frequently operate from a single newsroom under unified management. One news director may oversee all outlets, and on-air talent and reporting staff are regularly shared across channels.
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In addition, most co-owned stations rely on the same digital news platform. While separate branding may remain in place, the actual reporting and broadcast content can be largely identical, diminishing competitive pressure between stations that once operated independently.
Broadcast industry advocates argue that larger ownership groups have increased total news airtime and strengthened financial stability during a period marked by declining advertising revenue and streaming competition. DIRECTV counters that newsroom consolidation reduces independent voices and narrows the range of perspectives available to viewers.
The FCC’s handling of pending and future transactions could influence how local television newsrooms are structured in the years ahead.
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