More Consolidation Means Fewer Choices for Viewers

I know the big media companies love this, but it is bad for viewers and it also means fewer jobs in the industry.

Down in Columbus, GA Gray’s WTVM has completed its takeover of NBC affiliate WLTZ.

Gray got the station from Sagamorehill as part of a shared services agreement.

WLTZ had their last newscast on Frida y and is now simulcasting WTVM newscasts.

This move gives viewers fewer choices for their local news.

As for the talent at WLTZ, many are now out of work. Insiders tell FTVLive that they were not allowed to say goodbye on air. A number of viewers were blindsided on Monday, expecting WLTZ newscasts and getting a WTVM simulcast.

WTVM now runs WLTZ and WXTX in the market and the only station that does news that Gary does not control is Nexstar CBS affiliate WRBL.

That just doesn’t seem right and the viewers in Columbus have fewer choices as to where they get their news.

The big media companies are pushing the FCC to let stuff like this happen in even bigger markets.

It means fewer choices for the viewers, fewer jobs in the industry, and more money into the pocket of big media.

And, let’s be honest, that is what this is all about.

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