effseesee 101 Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 Well you see why Meredith vacated its first television station almost 20 years ago............ To put it in perspective, Meredith sold WTVH and KSEE (Fresno) to Granite in 1993 for $32 million. Newport just sold WHAM to Deerfield for $6 million. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77597 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CircleSeven 1955 Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 As of Monday, the FCC has green-lighted the sale of the Newport Little Rock stations to Nexstar's cousin Mission. I sense a 'consolidated quadopoly' in the horizon....... To put it in perspective, Meredith sold WTVH and KSEE (Fresno) to Granite in 1993 for $32 million. Newport just sold WHAM to Deerfield for $6 million At first what happened to the $54 mil? But I saw the rbr,com's simplistic rundown of the deal today. Sinclair is paying Newport $54 Million, Deerfield will pay Sinclair $6 mil and Deerfield will collect $10,000 for a option for Sinclair to purchase the station with that same $6 mil, should the FCC ever relaxed its current duopoly laws. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77615 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CircleSeven 1955 Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Now the Salt Lake Tribune states that Nexstar is planning layoffs at KTVX/KUCW. Crazy because Christmas is just a few days away... Plus the Arkansas TV Blog states that the KLRT/KASN transaction will be finalized, two weeks from tomorrow. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77708 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasTVNews 1377 Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Now the Salt Lake Tribune states that Nexstar is planning layoffs at KTVX/KUCW. Crazy because Christmas is just a few days away... Plus the Arkansas TV Blog states that the KLRT/KASN transaction will be finalized, two weeks from tomorrow. This is not good news at all for Salt Lake City and Little Rock at all. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77711 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CircleSeven 1955 Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 This is not good news at all for Salt Lake City and Little Rock at all. It's very clear what Nexstar wants to do. I picture it before it gets executed. I envision that they are going to do more layoffs at 16, close shop at the 16 building. Move 16 & 38 to where 4 & 42 is, obviously move its master controls of 16 & 38 in so it can be a way bigger hub, cut the 7pm news on 42 (if they still have it on their), probably change the 16 logo so it can look more like the other Nexstar stations, and pop in an Arnold theme song too. Over the course of a year, Nexstar bought about 17 stations this year (5 of those is still pending) and divested one (KBTV); Sinclair bought 25 stations (2 of those are pending) (the article says 23 but didn't mention the KBTV transaction or the WUTB one) and will divest one of them (WLAJ). The last time Sinclair divested was back in 2007 when they sold WGGB 40 in Springfield, MA to Mr. Gormally. How much more they're gonna get with the upcoming Barrington acquisition? The only thing sad about this is this Barrington is based in northwest suburb of Schaumburg, and I really hate another Chicago-area company bite the dust. That's just more jobs being lost. But at the other side of the token, I'm glad they're getting out is because they didn't really do anything with putting the infrastructure into the stations. Yeah they made the SSAs in Peoria & Syracuse, brought HD in Columbia and changed the logo on WLUC (and that brought controversy in the UP). That's basically all they did. But by the way these transactions are handled, why do we need Sinclair & Nexstar trying to run the gauntlet and acquire stations left and right? Aren't there any other station group companies that want these stations besides these two? Remember Clear Channel did the same shit with the radio over a decade ago acquiring more than 2,000 radio stations. And they'd later had to pay the price when they ended up having to sell some of the radio stations, and an entire TV arm for $1 bil. Providence Equity won't really get much profit when every transaction gets finalized, because they're basically selling everything for that same $1 bil. Back to the consolidated thing, I still think Sinclair is waiting for an opportune time, waiting for everything to die down, so they quietly follow through with some consolidations. Its going to happen sooner or later. Nexstar isn't obviously hesistant to follow through with their plans of consolidating and making new hubs, so it can be more layoffs in the non-hub markets. Let's hope everyone who loses its jobs can get new ones soon. I sense 2013 will be yet another interesting one. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77716 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CircleSeven 1955 Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 Reported last week via The Daily Gazette, it appears (expectedly so) that some signs of consolidation is happening, after the consummation of WXXA to Shield Media. They stated that many higher ups at WXXA were all let go including the GM. And they were all replaced by the ones that run WTEN. What they didn't state is whether WXXA will formerly move to where WTEN is, but I think its safe to say that its gonna happen sooner or later. The question is going to be when. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77815 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRob 937 Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 Watching Nexstar and Sinclair's buying spree reminds me of Cumulus on the radio side. They bought up stations in markets the size of Topeka... then it was Kansas City... and before you knew it, they were in San Francisco, Dallas, and now New York. As someone who works for a Local TV LLC. station, I'm leery of the day the company decides to pull the plug, because the only companies in "buy" mode right now seem to be Sinclair, Nexstar, and the nearby News Press & Gazette. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77816 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jterry 43 Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 WPTY/WLMT has posted a slew of job openings on its website in the last few days. VP, GM, ND, Director of Sales among several others. Of note is the ND position states this: "This opportunity will involve a complete makeover of the station news product." Sounds like Nexstar is going to make its presence felt on the Memphis duopoly pretty soon, and at least for them it might not be a bad thing. We'll see where it goes. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77882 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyrannical bastard 3951 Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 WPTY/WLMT has posted a slew of job openings on its website in the last few days. VP, GM, ND, Director of Sales among several others. Of note is the ND position states this: "This opportunity will involve a complete makeover of the station news product." Sounds like Nexstar is going to make its presence felt on the Memphis duopoly pretty soon, and at least for them it might not be a bad thing. We'll see where it goes. At this rate, anything Nexstar tries to do will be better than ANYTHING, and I mean ANYTHING those stations have put out over the past several years. Nexstar has good reason to overhaul these bastard stepchildren, and to even attempt to compete with the other 3 stations in Memphis... Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77885 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TennTV1983 804 Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 WPTY/WLMT has posted a slew of job openings on its website in the last few days. VP, GM, ND, Director of Sales among several others. Of note is the ND position states this: "This opportunity will involve a complete makeover of the station news product." Sounds like Nexstar is going to make its presence felt on the Memphis duopoly pretty soon, and at least for them it might not be a bad thing. We'll see where it goes. That can only be a good thing, considering how poorly managed and cheaply operated the two stations have been run by the previous owners (even while Newport was spending money upgrading its other stations to HD). Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77889 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jterry 43 Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 That can only be a good thing, considering how poorly managed and cheaply operated the two stations have been run by the previous owners (even while Newport was spending money upgrading its other stations to HD). I agree. With the '02/03 makeover you could at least tell they were trying (expanding newscasts, hiring good talent, doing new things), despite being run cheaply in those last years of Clear Channel. The Newport years lacked even that and it has desperately showed. Nexstar certainly isn't on a grand pedestal of broadcast ownership groups but it *could* end up being the best thing to happen to the twin Memphis stations. I'm cautiously optimistic we'll see some real and positive change there in the months ahead. Obviously the big question will be whether anything done could possibly move the ratings for them. On a side note to the original point, I noticed the Creative Sales Director opening also had a sentence about an apparent makeover... "The successful candidate will direct the overall promotion and marketing strategy for these properties with a focus on branding of a revitalized news product." Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77890 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhratbrat 437 Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 That might be the only good thing for Nexstar taking over WPTY and WLMT. I have seen there recent opens and although they are Hothaus, there is no music, there is really nothing just a piss poor attempt. Public Access would be better so hopefully WPTY (Wonderful Pity) and WLMT (We are Lame Memphis Television) will make it a whole lot better. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77891 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jterry 43 Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 That might be the only good thing for Nexstar taking over WPTY and WLMT. I have seen there recent opens and although they are Hothaus, there is no music, there is really nothing just a piss poor attempt. Public Access would be better so hopefully WPTY (Wonderful Pity) and WLMT (We are Lame Memphis Television) will make it a whole lot better. Yep, they didn't even have the money to license a music package, and that's after years of the woefully outdated Palmer News. That's pretty bad... Would seem inevitable that we'll see a reunion with Stephen Arnold eventually which would be very refreshing. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77893 Share on other sites More sharing options...
energy812 0 Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 Looking at the fact that Nexstar owns every NBC Arkansas Station they now own the ABC station in Memphis.... Nexstar owns a TV station covering every part of Arkansas... counting the fact that KARK can be seen in Jonesboro along with WMC. Nexstar has been upgrading the Arkansas owned stations like crazy and one might wonder if that is why they are going to move swift and quickly in upgrading WPTY/WLMT. Also, the twin stations are one of the highest owned stations (market wise) Nexstar owns. There is no reason not to give them a new set, graphics, music... etc. I have seen various Nexstar HD graphics packages and news products and they look very good.... I think Nexstar will finally give the twin stations what they needed a complete HD makeover and finally give them a fighting chance with the other big 3. On a side note do you think Nexstar will make WPTY/WLMT air the Arkansas Mid-Day newscast that is ran on KARK, KTAL, KNWA, and KTVE? Not sure how an Arkansas focused Mid-Day news would fare on a mostly TN focused station.... but KTAL and KTVE are Louisiana focused yet they run it... just curious on your thoughts... And what weird new website address WPTY/WLMT will get.. haha. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77896 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jterry 43 Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 I can't see WPTY/WLMT picking up the Arkansas based newscast. No relevance to it in the Memphis market, even if they were to become a contributing station. Stranger things have happened though. I do think one of the areas they could make some headway against other stations in the market is more of a regional news presence however, where currently you basically only see Memphis and metro-area stories all around except during significant breaking news. With them having WJKT in Jackson they could really jump on stories focused in West TN and maybe even develop a defacto competition with WBBJ. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77897 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TennTV1983 804 Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 On a side note do you think Nexstar will make WPTY/WLMT air the Arkansas Mid-Day newscast that is ran on KARK, KTAL, KNWA, and KTVE? Not sure how an Arkansas focused Mid-Day news would fare on a mostly TN focused station.... but KTAL and KTVE are Louisiana focused yet they run it... just curious on your thoughts... And what weird new website address WPTY/WLMT will get.. haha. Nexstar would be better off doing a newscast that is solely focused on West Tennessee as opposed to having WPTY,WLMT, and WJKT run Arkansas Today. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77898 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyrannical bastard 3951 Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Mission (Nexstar) has officially closed on the purchase of KLRT & KASN.... http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/64550/mission-closes-on-little-rock-duo Here's hoping that the carnage is minimal.... Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77958 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CircleSeven 1955 Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Mission (Nexstar) has officially closed on the purchase of KLRT & KASN.... http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/64550/mission-closes-on-little-rock-duo Here's hoping that the carnage is minimal.... With folks already leaving, the bulk of the carnage is already done. Moving 16 & 38 to where 4 & 42 is will be the ultimatum. EDIT: 2pm/CT, The ATV Blog states that KLRT's GM is OUT. This is Nexstar unleashing its raft by cleaning that house. Let the bloodbath begin. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77979 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CircleSeven 1955 Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 EDIT: 2pm/CT, The ATV Blog states that KLRT's GM is OUT. This is Nexstar unleashing its raft by cleaning that house. Let the bloodbath begin. Arkansas Business is confirming that Chuck Spohn, who was GM of KLRT for 15 years has been ousted. KARK's GM Mike Vaughn will takeover the consolidated quadopoly. And confirms that KLRT will merge with KARK. They didn't say if KLRT is moving to Downtown or KARK is leaving downtown. Either way, this is really sad. Like I said, let the bloodbath begin. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77984 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasTVNews 1377 Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Arkansas Business is confirming that Chuck Spohn, who was GM of KLRT for 15 years has been ousted. KARK's GM Mike Vaughan will takeover the consolidated quadopoly. And confirms that KLRT will merge with KARK. They didn't say if KLRT is moving to Downtown or KARK is leaving downtown. Either way, this is really sad. Like I said, let the bloodbath begin. This is very sad. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-77985 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CircleSeven 1955 Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Well the closing paper is up (It was closed on New Year's Day). And comments from the ATV blog keeps getting colorful. I found this out that KARK use to use a certain branding that Nexstar keeps on using for dual operations in several markets. WQRF/WTVO has recently went with that branding as well. Could they plan on bringing back Eyewitness News on channel 4? The Rundown is this. Newport portfolio count is down to just five. Fisher is awaiting approvals of KMTR & its satellites; Sinclair is waiting on its approval of WHAM; and Nexstar is awaiting approvals for KGPE & KGET. Nexstar already has approval of little Telemundo station, KKEY-LP. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-78012 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jterry 43 Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Looks like WPTY/WLMT has its new VP-GM http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/nexstar-names-ardyth-diercks-vp-gm-at-memphis-jackson-stations_b76688 Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-78140 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jterry 43 Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 Was watching WPTY's 6 PM newscast and it appears they have an actual news music package in place now. Didn't take long. It was only played for small bits leading into commercials so not totally sure but sounded like SA's Inergy. Nothing else changed for now, but seems all but inevitable for the hinted full relaunch down the road. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-78259 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TennTV1983 804 Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 Was watching WPTY's 6 PM newscast and it appears they have an actual news music package in place now. Didn't take long. It was only played for small bits leading into commercials so not totally sure but sounded like SA's Inergy. Nothing else changed for now, but seems all but inevitable for the hinted full relaunch down the road. You are absolutely right. I just saw a tease before commercial break in which they were indeed using Inergy for news music. Now all they need is a REAL news set. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-78262 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jterry 43 Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 You are absolutely right. I just saw a tease before commercial break in which they were indeed using Inergy for news music. Now all they need is a REAL news set. More than likely it's coming. All the early indicators are there for a full relaunch of their news product, realistically some months away though with a ND still needed and some actual planning and design done first (hopefully). One of the reasons I was hesitant on Inergy at first is because the sparse use and also the fact that what small cuts they've used are omitting the signature, but Inergy indeed it is. I'm thinking they may just be experimenting for now and not trying to place music all over if more wholesale change is coming later anyway. From what I've heard the new GM hire has gotten morale much higher there than it had been. Don't know much about her but the resume is quite impressive. The cautious optimism continues. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/11984-confirmed-newport-selling-stations-to-nexstar-cox-sinclair/page/5/#findComment-78263 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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