Who Owns My Local ABC Station?

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Curious about who owns your local ABC affiliate? It's a common question, especially with media consolidation on the rise. Understanding media ownership can give you insights into the perspectives and priorities that shape your local news. Let's dive into how you can find out who owns your ABC station.

Why It Matters

Knowing who owns your local ABC affiliate can help you understand:

  • Editorial Stance: Ownership can influence the types of stories covered and how they're presented.
  • Community Focus: Different owners may have different levels of commitment to local issues.
  • Resource Allocation: Understanding the parent company can give you a sense of the resources available to your local station.

How to Find Out

Here are several ways to discover who owns your ABC affiliate:

1. Check the Station's Website

Most local ABC affiliate websites have an "About Us" or "Contact Us" section. This often lists the station's ownership information. Look for details about the parent company or the specific individuals who own the station.

2. FCC Database Search

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maintains a public database of broadcast licenses. You can search this database to find ownership information for your local ABC affiliate. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the FCC's website.
  2. Navigate to the Licensing and Management System (LMS).
  3. Search by call sign (e.g., "WHAS" for Louisville, KY) or city and state.
  4. Review the ownership details listed in the station's profile.

3. Wikipedia

Wikipedia is often a good starting point. Search for your local ABC affiliate (e.g., "[City] ABC") and look for the ownership information in the article. Keep in mind that Wikipedia information should be verified with other sources.

4. Local News Reports

Sometimes, local news outlets report on ownership changes or significant developments involving local TV stations. Search for news articles about your local ABC affiliate to see if any ownership details are mentioned.

5. Industry Directories

Several industry directories and databases track media ownership. These may require a subscription, but they can provide in-depth information about media companies and their holdings.

Common Owners of ABC Affiliates

While ownership varies from station to station, some common media companies own multiple ABC affiliates. These include:

  • Nexstar Media Group: One of the largest television broadcasting companies in the United States.
  • Sinclair Broadcast Group: Another major player in the broadcast industry.
  • Hearst Television: A large group of ABC, NBC, and other network affiliates.
  • Gray Television: Owns a number of local stations across the country.

Nexstar Media Group

Nexstar Media Group is a significant owner of local television stations in the U.S. As of 2023, Nexstar owns or operates over 200 stations, including several ABC affiliates. If you discover that Nexstar owns your local ABC station, you might want to research the company’s overall broadcasting philosophy and its impact on local news coverage.

Conclusion

Finding out who owns your local ABC affiliate is a straightforward process that can provide valuable insights into the station’s operations and editorial direction. By using the methods outlined above, you can stay informed about the forces shaping your local news.