News Summary
Sinclair Broadcast Group has acquired WLNE-TV, the local ABC station in Providence, Rhode Island. This acquisition, involving significant layoffs and restructuring, raises concerns about the future of local journalism. Sinclair has plans for a shared services agreement with WJAR-TV, the NBC affiliate, amid layoffs of notable staff members, sparking questions about competition and operational consolidation in the region. The acquisition awaits FCC approval, with industry stakeholders eager to see how this will impact local broadcasting dynamics in Rhode Island.
Providence, Rhode Island – Sinclair Broadcast Group has confirmed its acquisition of WLNE-TV, the local ABC station, which will lead to significant layoffs and a major restructuring in the Rhode Island television market. The acquisition involves Sinclair obtaining the non-licensed assets of WLNE from Standard Media, and it is expected to have substantial implications for the operations of both stations in the region.
As part of the transaction, Sinclair will manage WLNE-TV under a shared services agreement, which allows for operational consolidation between WLNE and WJAR-TV, the leading NBC affiliate in the state. Sinclair has expressed its commitment to producing unique content tailored to local communities despite the layoffs that followed employee notifications about the sale.
Following the announcement, layoffs were reported, including prominent staff members. Meteorologist Kelly Bates, previously with WJAR, confirmed her departure via social media, while sports director Nick Coit revealed he was stepping away from ABC6 after 11 years, showing appreciation for his time at the station. These changes indicate a significant shakeup in personnel at WLNE since the acquisition was made public.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns or operates over 180 local television stations across 85 markets in the United States, is known for its contentious reputation marked by staff reductions and conservative political leanings. The implications of the acquisition raise questions about the future of WLNE as a standalone newsroom, with many employees now left wondering how Sinclair will integrate the two stations, especially in the context of staff meetings held to address the sale.
In recent months, WJAR had also made staff cuts, eliminating nine positions in its master control department, signaling an ongoing trend of consolidation in operations. This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for the Providence-New Bedford television market, further reducing competition and altering how local broadcasting is conducted.
Historically, WLNE has struggled with ratings compared to its competitors, positioning it as a longstanding but troubled player in the market. In 2019, Standard Media purchased WLNE as part of a $52 million deal, during which time employees described the station’s internal environment as troubled. Recently, staff at ABC6 voiced their concerns by voting to unionize, citing low pay and a lack of necessary resources as key issues contributing to workplace dissatisfaction.
The operational difficulties were brought to light by a federal lawsuit filed by former news director Allison Gaito against WLNE, alleging gender discrimination and hostile working conditions. The looming merger and consolidation have the potential to exacerbate existing discontent within the workforce and raise concerns about the quality of local journalism.
In addition to the changes at WLNE and WJAR, the broader Rhode Island media landscape has faced significant trials. Other media organizations in the area have engaged in buyouts and layoffs, reflecting a tightening grip of financial pressures on local broadcasting. The anticipated operational changes and personnel reductions align with similar consolidation trends witnessed across the nation, raising ongoing concerns about the viability of local journalism as corporate entities increasingly dominate the market.
Before the changes can be fully implemented, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must approve the acquisition and any modifications regarding broadcast licenses relating to the sale. Stakeholders in the local broadcasting community are now closely monitoring how Sinclair’s drive for efficiency and profitability will impact local journalism’s future in Rhode Island.
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Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current: Sinclair Acquires WLNE-TV
- Boston Globe: WJAR-TV Acquires WLNE-TV
- KATU: Shooting Incident in Providence
- Providence Journal: Sinclair and RI Landmark
- GoLocalProv: Sinclair Cuts Workforce
- Google Search: Sinclair Broadcast Group
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
