CBS Nexstar affiliation shifts hit six markets on Aug. 1
CBS will move from Nexstar outlets to Hearst and Forum stations in six markets while extending Nexstar deals in 36 others.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
3 min read
The CBS Nexstar affiliation lineup is changing in six markets, with the network moving from Nexstar-owned stations to outlets owned by Hearst Television and Forum Communications beginning Aug. 1.
Nexstar said CBS is renewing affiliation agreements in 36 of its markets under a multi-year deal reached this month. Six other Nexstar stations will lose CBS programming as the network shifts to new local partners.
A TV network affiliate is the local station that carries a national network’s shows, sports and news in a specific market. When an affiliation changes, viewers may need to tune to a different local channel to find the same network programming.
Where is CBS changing stations?
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, CBS will move to Hearst’s KOAT-TV. Nexstar said its KRQE-TV will move Fox programming from a digital channel to the station’s main channel.
In Birmingham, Alabama, CBS will shift to Hearst’s WVTM-TV. Nexstar, which owns WIAT-TV in the market, said it plans to add more local news there after the change.
In Greenville, South Carolina, CBS will move to Hearst’s WYFF-TV from Nexstar’s WSPA-TV. Nexstar also said it intends to expand local news programming in that market.
In Jackson, Mississippi, CBS will be carried by Hearst’s WAPT-TV. Nexstar said WJTV-TV will replace CBS programming with The CW, which had been airing on a digital channel.
In Bismarck, North Dakota, CBS will move to Forum Communications’ KBMY-TV. Nexstar’s KXMB-TV will also promote The CW to its main channel, according to the company.
In Rapid City, South Dakota, CBS will switch to Forum’s KNBN-TV. Nexstar said KCLO-TV will also move The CW from a digital placement to the primary channel.
Why are CBS affiliations changing?
Network-affiliate deals are a regular pressure point in the local TV business, especially around fees and control over programming. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said national networks hold too much leverage over local stations.
A Paramount spokesperson said the company had reached several new CBS Television Network affiliation agreements, including an extension with Nexstar, a broader relationship with Hearst Television and a new CBS relationship with Forum Communications Company. Paramount owns CBS.
The Paramount spokesperson said CBS remains committed to delivering sports, news and entertainment programming to viewers across the country.
Nexstar said it will replace CBS with The CW in at least Jackson, Bismarck and Rapid City, and will make Fox the primary network in Albuquerque. The company said moving The CW to primary over-the-air slots will also put it on major paid TV platforms.
Nexstar added that the schedule changes will give it more room to expand local news in Greenville-Spartanburg, Birmingham and several other affected markets.
The station changes were first reported by TheDesk.net.
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.