Miami Station Announces Break from ABC Network

BREAKING NEWS: Miami’s WPLG Parts Ways with ABC, Pivots to Enhanced Local Programming

Miami, FL – In a significant shift for the South Florida media landscape, WPLG, the Miami ABC affiliate, is charting a new course after its nearly seventy-year network affiliation concludes on August 4th. The ABC affiliation will transition to WSVN Channel 7, which currently carries Fox programming. WPLG’s General Manager and CEO, E.R. Bert Medina,has dubbed august 4th as “Independence Day” for the station,signaling a bold new era focused on amplified local content.Medina explained the station’s decision to staff and viewers, stating, “We made a generous offer to ABC, but it became clear the two sides were not going to agree to a new deal.” He elaborated in a viewer announcement,”ABC demanded we pay more,while receiving less value for the investment.”

This strategic pivot is not a retrenchment but an expansion of local news, weather, and sports. WPLG is investing heavily in its programming, a move that contrasts with trends of cutbacks seen at other stations nationwide.”We have done exactly the opposite,” Medina assured viewers. “We are investing in local news, weather and sports, and also locally produced programming.”

Evergreen Insights:

In an industry where network affiliation changes can signal a period of uncertainty,WPLG’s declaration of increased investment in local content offers a compelling case study for media resilience. This move underscores a critical, enduring truth in broadcasting: the strength of a local station ultimately rests on its ability to connect with and serve its immediate community. While national networks provide a powerful brand, a deep commitment to local journalism, tailored programming, and community engagement can forge an even stronger, more sustainable bond with viewers.

The station’s expanded news schedule, effective August 4th, reflects this commitment:

Weekdays: Live coverage from 4:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., noon to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.to 7 p.m.
Evening News Expansion: WPLG will offer South Florida’s onyl 9 p.m. newscast, in addition to its 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. broadcasts.
Weekends: News programming will air from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sports: Live sports coverage is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
* Popular Programming: Anchoring the evening lineup, “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy” will continue to air at 7 p.m., with “Live with Kelly and Mark” at 11 a.m.

“You can count on Local 10 News to cover local,national and global events through a local lens,” Medina emphasized,highlighting the station’s deep roots in South Florida. “Many members of the Local 10 family grew up in South Florida.This is our home and we care about this community.”

This strategic reorientation suggests a forward-thinking approach, betting on the enduring value of local news and programming in an increasingly fragmented media habitat. “Your Local 10 is here to stay,” Medina concluded, thanking viewers for their continued support.

What financial factors led too WPLG’s decision to end its affiliation with ABC?

The Shocking Split: Details of the disaffiliation

in a surprising move that has sent ripples thru the local broadcasting landscape, Miami’s WPLG Local 10 has announced it will be ending its affiliation agreement with ABC Network, effective January 1, 2026. This marks a significant shift for viewers in the South Florida market and raises questions about the future of local news and programming.The decision, announced earlier today, culminates months of reportedly strained negotiations between Hearst Television, WPLG’s parent company, and Disney-owned ABC.

The core issue appears to be escalating affiliation fees and a disagreement over the direction of ABC’s programming strategy.Sources close to the negotiations suggest Hearst felt the financial demands were unsustainable, particularly in the face of increasing competition from streaming services and digital media. This disaffiliation follows a growing trend of broadcast stations reassessing their network relationships, prioritizing local content and revenue streams.

What Does This Mean for Local Viewers?

The immediate impact for viewers will be a change in channel alignment. Currently, WPLG Local 10 broadcasts ABC network programming. After January 1, 2026, that programming will need to find a new home. Several options are being explored, including:

A new broadcast partner: ABC could potentially partner with another local station in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market.

Streaming options: ABC’s streaming platform, Hulu, will continue to offer access to ABC shows, but requires a subscription.

Over-the-air antenna: Viewers with digital antennas may be able to receive ABC programming from a different station, depending on signal strength and location.

The change also impacts local news coverage. WPLG Local 10 is a leading provider of local news, weather, and investigative reporting in South Florida. While the station will remain committed to local programming, the loss of the ABC network affiliation could affect its overall resources and reach. Viewers concerned about continued access to local news should explore WPLG’s website (https://www.local10.com/) and social media channels for updates.

The Financial Implications: Affiliation Fees and the Broadcast Landscape

Affiliation fees – the payments networks charge stations to carry their programming – have been steadily increasing in recent years. This is driven by the value of network content and the networks’ desire to invest in streaming platforms. For local stations, these fees represent a significant expense, often exceeding millions of dollars annually.

Here’s a breakdown of the key financial factors:

1. Rising costs: Network affiliation fees have increased by an average of 10-15% per year over the last decade.
2. Revenue Sharing: Stations typically share advertising revenue with the network for nationally broadcast programs.
3. Local Ad Revenue: Stations rely heavily on local advertising revenue, which is increasingly competitive.
4. streaming Competition: The growth of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu is diverting viewers and advertising dollars away from traditional broadcast television.

The WPLG-ABC split highlights the challenges facing local broadcasters in a rapidly evolving media surroundings. Stations are increasingly looking for ways to diversify their revenue streams and reduce their reliance on network affiliations.

Past Context: Recent Station Affiliations Changes

This isn’t an isolated incident. Several other stations across the country have recently severed ties with major networks:

Sinclair Broadcast Group & FOX: In 2023, Sinclair and FOX engaged in a protracted dispute over affiliation fees, resulting in several stations switching affiliations.

Nexstar Media Group & CBS: Similar negotiations between Nexstar and CBS led to temporary blackouts and ultimately, revised affiliation agreements.

Gray Television & NBC: gray Television stations have also renegotiated their NBC affiliations, seeking more favorable terms.

These examples demonstrate a broader trend of stations pushing back against network demands and seeking greater control over their programming and revenue. The trend is fueled by the changing media consumption habits of viewers and the increasing importance of local content.

What’s Next for WPLG Local 10?

WPLG Local 10 has stated its commitment to continuing its high-quality local news and programming. The station is exploring opportunities to expand its digital presence,invest in investigative journalism,and develop new content formats.

Potential strategies include:

Enhanced Digital Platforms: Strengthening its website,mobile app,and social media channels.

Original Local Programming: Developing more locally produced shows and documentaries.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with other local organizations and businesses.

Focus on Investigative Reporting: Expanding its investigative journalism team to provide in-depth coverage of local issues.

The station’s future success will depend on its ability to adapt to the changing media landscape and deliver valuable content to its viewers. The Miami broadcast market remains competitive, and WPLG will need to innovate to maintain its position as a leading source of local news and data.