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Network's execs say outlets complement Big Three affils on many levels
Executives of the WB network are hoping that the Federal Communications Commission's decision this month to loosen restrictions on same-market ownership of TV stations will result in some large station groups creating duopolies between WB and Big Three affiliates.
The WB stations have become valuable properties because the new FCC rules state that groups owning TV stations ranked among the top four in a market can only acquire stations below fourth place. In most markets, the WB stations rank fifth.
"We are not unhappy with the smaller owners who operate some of the WB stations, but we have also seen how some of the larger groups, which are currently operating duopolies with a WB station and a Big Three station have been able to successfully benefit the WB station in a number of ways," said Jed Petrick, WB president. "The new FCC ruling has positively impacted the value of WB stations by making them desirable acquisitions for larger groups. It is now possible for some of the smaller owners, who might be underfinanced, to cash out at a high price."
Petrick cited existing duopolies in Sacramento, Calif., where Hearst-Argyle Television owns WB affiliate KQCA and NBC affiliate KCRA-TV; and in Austin, Texas, where LIN Television owns WB affiliate KNVA and NBC affiliate KXAN-TV,...