Guest NewsHound Posted February 10, 2016 Posted February 10, 2016 Maybe the simplest solution is for Gray to sell WAGT? But to whom? The only thing that comes to mind is the Nexstar shell, Mission Broadcasting. The reason? Media General.
CircleSeven 1960 Posted February 12, 2016 Posted February 12, 2016 BREAKING NEWS!!! The FCC has greenlighted the Gray/Schurz deal. Some key points: Gray will have one year to terminate it's JSA (or "come into compliance with the rule") between KWCH & Entravision's KDCU. Gray is allowed to own both WRDW & WAGT during the auction process, but was ordered NOT to turn off WAGT's full power signal. It was also ordered operate both stations separately, maintain it's programming & not have a JSA tied-in with WRDW. They were also ordered to file a paperwork to assign WAGT to a divestiture trust (that's only if the license is not surrendered during auction). Gray was also allowed to own it's own KSTF & KDUH, while the change of COL of KDUH to Sidney, NE is in the comment phase (NPRM).
TheRolyPoly 2592 Posted February 12, 2016 Posted February 12, 2016 BREAKING NEWS!!! The FCC has greenlighted the Gray/Schurz deal. Some key points: Gray will have one year to terminate it's JSA (or "come into compliance with the rule") between KWCH & Entravision's KDCU. Gray is allowed to own both WRDW & WAGT during the auction process, but was ordered NOT to turn of WAGT's full power signal. It was also ordered operate both stations separately, maintain it's programming & not have a JSA tied-in with WRDW. They were also ordered to file a paperwork to assign WAGT to a divestiture trust (that's only if the license is not surrendered during auction). Gray was also allowed to own it's own KSTF & KDUH, while the change of COL of KDUH to Sidney, NE is in the comment phase (NPRM). Well finally a station that doesn't have to shut down its full-power signal! Gray has done too much of that (KXJB, WFXS are examples that I can think of)
mvcg66b3r 100 Posted February 13, 2016 Posted February 13, 2016 Gray will have one year to terminate it's JSA (or "come into compliance with the rule") between KWCH & Entravision's KDCU. What will happen to KDCU? Will their newscasts be canceled? Gray is allowed to own both WRDW & WAGT during the auction process, but was ordered NOT to turn off WAGT's full power signal. It was also ordered operate both stations separately, maintain it's programming & not have a JSA tied-in with WRDW. They were also ordered to file a paperwork to assign WAGT to a divestiture trust (that's only if the license is not surrendered during auction). This means NBC programming will stay on WAGT (with a full-power signal), the (somewhat bare bones) news department will be retained, and hopefully the station won't go dark (but will go to a reputable owner - not a shell company).
TheRob 938 Posted February 15, 2016 Author Posted February 15, 2016 What will happen to KDCU? Will their newscasts be canceled? No, in theory, it would not affect newscasts. I think KDCU (Entravision) would need to generate a certain percentage of the sales itself, rather than Gray doing the work.
Samantha 2902 Posted February 15, 2016 Posted February 15, 2016 No, in theory, it would not affect newscasts. I think KDCU (Entravision) would need to generate a certain percentage of the sales itself, rather than Gray doing the work. Entravision could opt to continue an SSA with Gray to allow the latter to continue the production of the newscasts. I do not see Entravision starting a news operation of its own in Wichita, however, given its recent track record of cuts to news operations at its stations around the country.
CircleSeven 1960 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 Gray hasn't officially announced the closing of the Schurz deal, but Augusta station WRDW released this morning, welcoming WAGT to the Gray family. The MG-controlled WAGT website is still active.
extvtog 4 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 WAGT morning newscast also noted that his was their last newscast and that the anchors were done. Sad day for Augusta broadcasting. Good people lost their jobs and an inferior news department devoured one that was way better.
Greggo 358 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 They've posted a clip from their morning show today on Facebook. The anchors encourage folks to file a FCC complaint, complete with a full-screen that pops up twice with the FCC's phone number and website. Ouch! https://www.facebook.com/NBC26
TexasTVNews 1378 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/Gray-Television-and-WRDW-News-12-Welcome-WAGT-NBC-26-365796691.html
MichiganNewsGraphicsJunkie 949 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 Gray hasn't officially announced the closing of the Schurz deal, but Augusta station WRDW released this morning, welcoming WAGT to the Gray family. The MG-controlled WAGT website is still active. The website is no longer up -- just a blank blue screen
CircleSeven 1960 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 Yeah, they'd just changed that. And that was fast. Anywho, here's the vid of that message. They'd now upload it on the 'tube. The female anchor even told the viewers to watch Channel 6.
atlnews2 596 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 They've posted a clip from their morning show today on Facebook. The anchors encourage folks to file a FCC complaint, complete with a full-screen that pops up twice with the FCC's phone number and website. Ouch! https://www.facebook.com/NBC26 Facebook page has been removed
TheRolyPoly 2592 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 WAGT's Twitter is still alive, but doesn't seem active because its last post... Where's NBC 26? (posted twice on Twitter, but I used the YouTube link now that the website is gone) [MEDIA=twitter]699594069970911232[/MEDIA]
atlnews2 596 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 can someone catch that youtube video before Gray removes it.
mvcg66b3r 100 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 can someone catch that youtube video before Gray removes it. They already did: This video is private. Sorry about that.
Eat News 4745 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 They already did: I saw the video. I would have to say the anchors were very restrained and professional. VERY professional.
extvtog 4 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 http://adweek.it/1VkUrHC#.VsOdRLijBd0.mailto Interesting article. Gray blaming MG for the blunder.
TheRolyPoly 2592 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 And now the WAGT Twitter account has been converted into an account for WJBF's headquaters... Television Park.
atlnews2 596 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 http://adweek.it/1VkUrHC#.VsOdRLijBd0.mailto Interesting article. Gray blaming MG for the blunder. " When asked about being blamed for the job losses, a Media General spokesperson told TVSpy, 'We prefer not to comment on matters that are the subject of pending litigation. " I find that comment interesting. Is MG considering legal action against Gray ?
Thundershock MN 169 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 " When asked about being blamed for the job losses, a Media General spokesperson told TVSpy, 'We prefer not to comment on matters that are the subject of pending litigation. " I find that comment interesting. Is MG considering legal action against Gray ? Yes. They already filed suit. However, MG requested voluntary dismissal. The presiding judge dismissed the case without prejudice on 2/4/16. So, I think safe assumption is they (or, are in the process of) negotiated a private settlement. Also, it's good to see two of those "yucky" JSAs are done with with the closing of this deal. And, that those JSA waivers are easily able to be obtained when in the public interest. /Sarcasm.
CircleSeven 1960 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 Alrighty! It's over folks. The Gray/Schurz deal is done.
Hexagonal10 84 Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 Alrighty! It's over folks. The Gray/Schurz deal is done. And I'm assuming KTUU, WAGT, KYTV and such live streams will be shut off like WVTM was after a few weeks?
atlnews2 596 Posted February 17, 2016 Posted February 17, 2016 The WAGT morning anchor posted the video to her personal facebook page https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153951358787733
TheRolyPoly 2592 Posted February 17, 2016 Posted February 17, 2016 And with that, Gray is basically full of crap. But do give Media General credit. At least they found a way for her to not only stay with the company but to also find a new job in a bigger market.
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