Skip to main content

Text Correction: Owner of PNW stations joining the consolidation club?



Sinclair big boss Chris Ripley sent out a long memo to employees talking about a strategic restructuring.  That translates into trouble   His exact words were:   “...unlocking new opportunities through innovations and scale."   Scale.  Is that code for consolidation.?

Sinclair owns KOMO Seattle, KATU, Portland and KVAL in Eugene and KIMA in Yakima.   Sinclair now jumps on the bandwagon that started last week with Gray, Nexstar and Tegna either acquiring stations, selling stations or talking major deals that will jeopardize jobs and journalism.   

Comments

  1. IDC9August 13, 2025 at 1:52 AM

    That is a very worrying statement for everyone who works in the industry. It feels as though we are now diving head first into a wave of consolidation that will make all of the consolidation that occured throughout the 2010's look like nothing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 13, 2025 at 5:59 AM

    I’m always worried about profit affecting journalism. My knee jerk reaction, bring back the fairness doctrine.
    Rich

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IDC9August 13, 2025 at 7:17 AM

      I share your concern. TV news wasn't about making money in its earliest days. It was seen as a public service for the greater good. A return to that way of thinking would be most welcome, even though there is next to no chance that will happen.

      Also, I agree about the fairness doctrine. Its long past time that was restored!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousAugust 13, 2025 at 9:16 AM

      Tv was always about making money. It was just so easy to make a ton of it long ago that stations could do a little public service along the way so that the local GM or owner could have a little social cache.

      Delete
  3. Wayne LAugust 13, 2025 at 9:08 AM

    If the Fairness Doctrine ever came back, it would end the cable news networks and talk radio as we know them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IDC9August 13, 2025 at 5:52 PM

      It certainly would. I'd like to think we'd be better off for it. That being said, it would dramatically change our news landscape, and potentially accelerate its downsizing if the news consuming public doesn't go for it.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousAugust 13, 2025 at 12:27 PM

    Wayne. I would call that a good thing. We have media that profit off hatred and division. How many times can you repeat radical left wing lunatics
    Rich

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousAugust 13, 2025 at 7:56 PM

    Yep. Fair and balanced like Fox News. LOL.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rebecca Stevenson has left KOMO

 "I am no longer at Komo 4." Thanks.  Longtime Weather Anchor Rebecca Stevenson confirms that she left the station just before Christmas.  Her last Facebook posts are 12/17.  She has the Seattle station Quintafecta, having worked at the old NWCN, KING, KIRO, KCPQ and KOMO.  Looks like her decision.  Wants a new chapter.   She was doing mainly weekend evenings for KOMO.  Perhaps Stella Sun will move there.   She has been sharing weekend mornings with Theron Zahn.    
21 comments
Read more

UPDATED: Seattle TV Weather Wizard's Finale

Her goodbye post below! After an almost five-year stint, FOX 13 meteorologist and part-time news anchor Abby Acone ends her run there with a final show on this Sunday morning.  Married earlier this month, she left no word on what's next.  Not sure if it is fully her decision, but I'm told she had 'favored nation' status with news management.  Before joining 13 in December of 2021, she worked three years at KOMO and also did a stint in Tri-Cities. Fittingly, this last shot on IG is studio appropriate.    I've been frequently critical of her on this site for using the station's studio to post questionable videos (IMO), but for now, good luck.   Here's Abby's goodbye post: My heart is so full as I reflect on my final week at FOX 13 ❤️ 🥹 I’m incredibly grateful for my time here and for the remarkable people who made this place feel like home. I’ve had the joy of working alongside some of the most talented, hardworking, and genuinely wonderful people in th...
24 comments
Read more

Where is Frankie?

Many have missed KIRO 7's weekend PM weather anchor, Frankie Katafias, so I reached out to some of my sources to find an answer.    She is apparently taking a few months of leave, but not known specifically what the reason may be.  Although there is uncertainty, it could be a personal or family matter.   I am told she is expected back at some point in the new year.  She is a great asset to what has become a troubled station.  Meanwhile former KOIN Portland chief met holds down the fort.
11 comments
Read more