News Summary
Sinclair Broadcast Group has assumed control of ABC6 (WLNE) operations through a local market share agreement with Standard Media Group. The acquisition raises concerns about media competition and consolidation as ABC6 begins layoffs, including notable meteorologist Kelly Bates. Sinclair’s reputation for cost-cutting amid a competitive media landscape has left employees and viewers worried about the future of local news delivery in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island—Sinclair Broadcast Group has officially taken control of the non-license operations of ABC6 (WLNE), following a local market share agreement with the station’s parent company, Standard Media Group. This acquisition, which occurred early Friday morning, enables Sinclair to manage the station’s infrastructure and operations without altering the ownership of the license itself.
The spokesperson for Sinclair, Jessica Bellucci, confirmed the transaction and highlighted the company’s commitment to community-focused broadcasting. Sinclair’s acquisition facilitates a significant shift in the Providence-New Bedford media landscape, as the company is now managing operations for two out of the three major network affiliates in the area. This has raised concerns regarding competition and media consolidation within the local broadcasting sector.
In conjunction with this acquisition, ABC6 has begun laying off staff, with notable departures including meteorologist Kelly Bates, who announced her termination via social media. Bates, who previously worked at NBC10 (WJAR) under Sinclair ownership, described herself as a redundancy following the acquisition.
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has not yet received official notices about these layoffs, leaving the exact number of affected employees unclear. However, Sinclair’s reputation for implementing cost-cutting measures, which typically include staff reductions and scaled-back local news programming, has raised flags of concern among current employees and viewers alike.
Sinclair’s acquisition of ABC6 represents a broader trend of consolidation within the media sector, a change that has been facilitated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) relaxing ownership restrictions. This legal framework enables local broadcasters to bypass federal regulations that traditionally prevent monopolistic practices, allowing Sinclair to manage multiple stations in the same market.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns over 180 local TV stations across the United States, first entered the Providence-New Bedford market in 2014. The company has consistently focused on expanding its presence across various local markets through strategic acquisitions. ABC6 was previously purchased by Standard Media Group in 2019 for $52 million as part of a larger deal involving eight TV stations.
Meetings have been conducted with employees from both Sinclair-managed stations to communicate changes related to the operational consolidation. Despite efforts to maintain transparency, the atmosphere remains tense as employees grapple with the implications of the acquisition.
The acquisition comes at a time when the Rhode Island media landscape is experiencing significant upheaval, marked by layoffs and staffing cuts across various news organizations. The financial pressures faced by local broadcasters have made the landscape increasingly competitive and challenging. This move signals a potential shift in how viewers interact with their local news sources as broadcasters navigate industry restructuring in response to evolving market conditions.
As Sinclair continues its expansion and consolidation, the long-term impact on viewership, local reporting, and competition in the Rhode Island media market remains to be seen. With financial pressures mounting across the industry, the implications of the acquisition will undoubtedly affect how news is delivered to the public, raising questions about the future of local broadcasting in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rhode Island Current
- Google Search: Sinclair Broadcast Group
- Boston Globe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Media Consolidation
- GoLocalProv
- Google News: ABC6 WLNE
- Newport Buzz
- Google Scholar: Media Consolidation
- RBR.com
- Google Search: Local News Staff Layoffs
- People.com
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.
