The full story here. In markets such as Atlanta, this would create a triopoly as Apollo (Cox) owns WSB and Tegna owns WXIA and WATL. We'll see what happens.
Bloomberg is now reporting that Allen Media is offering $23/share, a dollar more than the Apollo/SG bid.Haven't seen any further news about a counter-offer from Allen Media.
Sounds good in theory for Disney to take over WFAA but in practice probably not given that Disney is more interested in streaming than OTA TV at this point.who ever buys TEGNA out, they should offer Disney WFAA so that way, Disney can have a O&O in the Dallas Market as ABC is the only big 4 network that don't have a O&O station in the DFW market while NBC, CBS and Fox owns 2 stations in the market.
Tegna currently has a duopoly in DFW with WFAA and KMPX. They do have an option in place to sell the current WFAA RF8 signal to Estrella Media sometime before early 2026, which would result in KMPX becoming the “new” WFAA.who ever buys TEGNA out, they should offer Disney WFAA so that way, Disney can have a O&O in the Dallas Market as ABC is the only big 4 network that don't have a O&O station in the DFW market while NBC, CBS and Fox owns 2 stations in the market.
Sounds good in theory for Disney to take over WFAA but in practice probably not given that Disney is more interested in streaming than OTA TV at this point.
More like Byron Allen, and Apollo as the candidates.
I don't see Disney interested in more TV stations for the following reasons:This isn't necessarily directed towards you, RadioPatrol, but I get very irritated and annoyed each time I see this statement about Disney not wanting to buy TV stations. I've always believed that if given the right time, and at the right price, Disney can scoop-up any TV stations (whether they're already affiliated with ABC or otherwise) they wish. Unless there's factual proof that Disney/ABC comes out and let it be known that they're not interested in buying any terrestrial stations, all it is conjecture and speculation...it's the same BS I used to read over on TVNewstalk, and it's more ridiculous there.
I don't see Disney interested in more TV stations for the following reasons:
1. They are focused, and heavily investing in, streaming. If anything they may become a seller of some assets to boost the streaming aspect and they don't NEED to own an affiliate for it to be an effective vehicle to push people to streaming.
2. The largest money maker for Terrestrial by far at this stage is cable retransmission fees, which will continue to shrink as the vast majority make the transition to streaming.
3. While paid streaming has a viable financial model going forward (subscriptions) they have yet to come up with a viable streaming model for local stations, and really local stations only draw is news
Of course, I could be wrong. Everyone could be wrong. But if all this holds I just don't see OTA being the draw it once was. Even if making the argument that advertising is a big draw, increasingly advertisers are spending in streaming which allows them to target advertising to the demos and locations they want with greater precision than even cable once could. And Hulu makes MORE than ABC (Ad revenue is almost 50/50, but subscription fees definitely push it over the top).
I don’t either. Here in Houston word on the street is that the management of ABC O&O KTRK is under two orders from Disney: slash expenses, and get rid of anyone pulling down a good salary.I don't see Disney interested in more TV stations
Sure, but long term, I think those streaming retransmission services are just transitionary services. They too will soon raise rates beyond what is considered "affordable" for most, and in the long term what people what most is either an on-demand streaming slate of programming (commercial free or with commercials) or local news/sports. If someone can get 90% of the entertainment they want for under $50 a month, most would do that. (and honestly, it's probably much more common to have one or two streaming services that have "enough" programming to keep someone entertained).Don't forget there's streaming retransmission services like YouTube tv, Fubo and Hulu Live. I'm not so sure how much Tegna, Gray, Nexstar, Sinclair, Hearst, Scripps, Cox and Allen media get in streaming retrans like Fubo, Hulu Live and YouTube TV or if these streaming retrans services for now are included in cable retrans data.