News Summary
Sinclair Inc. has finalized its acquisition of ABC6’s non-license operations, resulting in significant job cuts for employees, including meteorologist Kelly Bates. This deal raises concerns about competition in local broadcasting as Sinclair gains control over operations. The Rhode Island media landscape is experiencing increased consolidation, with layoffs affecting multiple local stations. This acquisition may challenge ABC6’s future independence and has broader implications for media diversity and job security in the region.
Providence, Rhode Island – Sinclair Inc., the parent company of WJAR (NBC10), has finalized its acquisition of the non-license operations of ABC6 (WLNE), marking a significant shift in Rhode Island’s media landscape. The deal, confirmed by company spokesperson Jessica Bellucci, took effect on September 12, 2025, and comes with job cuts affecting several employees at ABC6, including a well-known meteorologist.
The arrangement involved a local market share agreement with Standard Media Group, which allows Sinclair to take over the operational aspects and equipment of ABC6 while leaving the license ownership unchanged. This transactional structure has raised concerns regarding competition in local broadcasting, as it bypasses existing federal regulations intended to prevent monopolistic practices in the media sector.
In light of the acquisition, many employees at ABC6 have lost their jobs. Notably, meteorologist Kelly Bates announced via social media that she was one of the employees impacted by what appears to be layoffs following the new operational framework. Bates previously spent many years at WJAR before briefly leaving due to a contract dispute in 2021. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has not received formal notices of these layoffs under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which typically requires companies to provide advance notice in such situations.
Sinclair, headquartered in Maryland, is known for its extensive portfolio, owning over 180 local television stations across the United States. The company’s approach often involves significant staff reductions and a decrease in local news programming, a trend that has manifested at ABC6 as well. Since Sinclair first entered the Providence-New Bedford market in 2014 through the acquisition of WJAR, it has made its mark in the local broadcasting scene.
This latest acquisition follows a series of staffing cuts not only at ABC6 but also at other media institutions in Rhode Island, including Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio. WJAR has also reported layoffs, having let go of nine employees from its master control department around the same time as the ABC6 cuts, indicating a wider trend of consolidation and staff reduction within Sinclair’s operations.
ABC6 has historically been a prominent player in the local broadcasting arena, providing a platform for many influential broadcasters throughout its history. Despite struggling with lower ratings compared to competitors, the station has maintained a distinct identity within the Rhode Island media landscape.
Employees were made aware of the acquisition and subsequent staffing changes during meetings held the day prior to the public announcement. The new operational framework marks an uncertain future for ABC6, raising questions about its ability to function independently as a newsroom and the implications for local competition in the Providence-New Bedford market.
The consolidation of local media is not an isolated incident; similar market-sharing agreements have been observed between other local stations, including a partnership between WPRI 12 (CBS affiliate) and Fox Providence. These agreements indicate a prevailing trend of local broadcasting consolidation, which may have lasting effects on media diversity, job security, and content production in the region.
As local broadcasters confront the challenges of an evolving media market, the recent acquisitions and layoffs may reshape the landscape for years to come, emphasizing the need for ongoing discussions about regulation, competition, and the future of local news coverage.
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HERE Resources
Sinclair Broadcast Group Acquires WLNE-TV, Leading to Layoffs
Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current: WJAR Parent Company Buys Non-License Operations for Rival ABC6 Station
- Boston Globe: WJAR TV Acquires WLNE TV RI
- GoLocalProv: Award-Winning Sports Reporter Nick Coit Out at ABC6
- People: Meteorologist Speaks Out After Losing Her Job a Second Time
- GoLocalProv: Former Top Producer Sues ABC6 and Parent Company for Discrimination
- Wikipedia: Media in Rhode Island
- Google Search: Rhode Island media landscape
- Google Scholar: Media consolidation Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Broadcasting
- Google News: Rhode Island broadcasting
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.
