Rewind this: Another new multicast network to launch filled with reruns

Nexstar spin-offs a network from Antenna TV  Usually in TV land, we have spin-offs of shows, some of the most successful being Gomer Pyle, USMC; Facts Of Life; Maude; Good Times; and Laverne & Shirley.  Now for the first time, we have a spin-off of an entire channel. On September 1, Nexstar is launching Rewind TV, featuring 1980s and 1990s […]

NewsNation expands as WGN America sunsets

Nexstar shifts focus from entertainment programming to news  In a long-awaited move, Nexstar announced on Monday they were expanding NewsNation into other dayparts, including prime access and early fringe. Beginning March 1, WGN America is adding two more hours of news: a 5 p.m. newshour anchored by Nichole Berlie, who previously anchored weekends, and Joe Donlan gets a solo spot […]

The Media Notepad: Dish, Nexstar settle differences

Also: Trump Country concedes; Rock 95.5 drops to a ratings low; DMA update On Christmas morning, Dish subscribers received an unexpected present: the return of WGN-TV and WGN America to their systems. A deal was reached late Thursday night between the satellite provider and Nexstar, owners of both the local Chicago television station, the cable network, and other local stations […]

Dish, Nexstar enter retrans dispute; WGN-TV and WGN America pulled off

  Second broadcaster/MSO dispute this week Here we go again. Irving, Tex.-based Nexstar Broadcasting removed its stations from satellite provider Dish Wednesday evening at approximately 7 p.m. Central Time due to a retransmission consent dispute, another in a long line of blackouts over the last several years. Nexstar owns 197 stations in over 100 markets including WGN-TV in Chicago and […]

ViacomCBS’ cable networks snares “Young Sheldon” syndication rights

Starts November 30 on Nick at Nite; rights are non-exclusive Signaling the sign of the times in the television business, ViacomCBS’ cable networks acquired the linear syndication rights to Young Sheldon from Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution for an unknown sum, announced in August. But to show you how far recent off-network sitcoms have fallen in the marketplace, the news […]

Scripps, Ion agree to deal

Chicago’s WCPX becomes a Scripps-owned station – but remains an Ion affiliate In a blockbuster move, Cincinnati-based Scripps Thursday announced the purchase of Ion, a network with more than 125 affiliates, including 62-owned stations. The deal includes Ion-owned Chicago’s WCPX – the former Christian station known as WCFC-TV from 1976 to 1998 when the ministry sold the station to Bud […]

WGN Radio changes: Conn out, Landecker in

Latest shakeup continues overhaul of iconic station In the ultimate Friday evening news dump – coming before the start of a long holiday weekend, Nexstar-owned WGN-AM announced huge changes to its weekday lineup. As first reported by Robert Feder, gone was longtime radio host Roe Conn and in is Radio Hall Of Famer John Records Landecker, who’ll take over evenings […]

NewsNation, Shepard Smith hope to bring news viewers back to the middle

    Two new efforts launching on opposite ends of September hopes to appeal to news viewers tired of partisan news Starting today, a revolution is taking place and it’s happening right here in Chicago. And it is…presenting a neutral newscast. Yes, really. The arrival of the much-anticipated NewsNation today and of CNBC’s The News With Shepard Smith later this […]

Everybody Loves Ray: Indy anchor comes home to Chicago

Dolton native heads to WGN-TV to anchor evening newscasts For the second time in two days, a local TV Chicago station has announced a new anchor taking on a key position. Current WXIN Indianapolis anchor Ray Cortopassi will take over as anchor for WGN-TV’s signature weeknight newscasts beginning September 28 at 5, 6, 9, and 10 p.m. alongside Micha Materre. […]

T Dog’s Think Tank: Fox News: Chicago is our kind of town…for crime

Chicago crime grabs more airtime than Covid-19 pandemic as the city continues to grab global headlines for gun violence  You’d think in a middle of a national health pandemic, cable news channels would focus on the issues at hand when more than 150,000 people have died from Covid-19, right? Of course not – especially when it comes to Fox News.  […]

“30 Rock” reunion special faces affiliate resistance (updated)

Chicago viewers will get to see Liz Lemon & Co. reunite. Outside of Chicago? It depends on where your live – and who owns your NBC station. [Updated Thursday at 4:25 p.m.]  Are you excited about the 30 Rock reunion Thursday night? If you live outside of the Chicago area, you might have to delay your enthusiasm until Friday morning […]

Media Notepad: Sony pulls “Police Patrol” from syndication (updated)

Also: Amy Jacobson gets her press cred back; WGN Radio may bring back Garry Meier; NewsNation hires Joe Donlon and two WGN-TV vets  [Editor’s Note: This post was updated on June 27 at 8:50 p.m.] In a move not unexpected, local stations have dropped episodes of Cops and Live PD: Police Patrol from their schedules as protests have flared across […]

Sinclair slapped with $48 million FCC fine

          Closes book on botched Tribune deal In one of the biggest fines ever levied against a broadcast company, the FCC fined Maryland-based Sinclair Broadcasting $48 million Wednesday for misrepresenting themselves in their pursuit of Chicago-based Tribune Broadcasting, which was later sold to Nexstar.  The fine and consent decree also closes three investigations into the company, […]

WGN America to launch “NewsNation” Sept. 1

Ambitious effort comes in the middle of pandemic; CBSN Chicago finally launches During a conference earnings call Wednesday, Nexstar – owner of WGN-TV in Chicago and  former superstation WGN America, detailed more information on their new venture for their cable network, NewsNation.  “This will be hard news, 100% absent of bias,” Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said. “We’re so serious about […]