How will the consolidation of Indy TV stations change our city? – Poynter

How will the consolidation of Indy TV stations change our city?  Poynter

TV stations are consolidating in Indianapolis. Nexstar Media Group closed the deal to buy TEGNA. Here's what that means for news consumers. This column is part of the Indianapolis Public Editor project, a pilot program designed to test whether the presence of a public editor who analyzes local coverage can elevate audience trust in journalism and promote media literacy. As news consumers, we want to have choices. If we have choices, we can give our attention to those news providers who meet our needs, thus encouraging them to continue providing the content we want. But, how much choice do we have in the age of TV news consolidation? Last week, a significant number of reporters at WRTV lost their jobs as Circle City Broadcasting, the locally owned and operated broadcasting company, finalized its acquisition of the station from E.W.

Scripps Company. They now own three stations in Indianapolis — WISH-TV Channel 8, WNDY-TV Channel 23 and WRTV-TV Channel 6. On March 19, Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of FOX59 and CBS4, closed the deal to buy TEGNA, which owns WTHR. At this moment, Indy’s TV market has gone from four owners to two. (A few caveats: A federal judge has paused the deal to consider antitrust claims, and Nexstar has agreed to sell WTHR. If that happens, we will