Gray to acquire WSYM (Fox 47) in swap with Scripps

[KeenerGoldv2.0]

"Gray will acquire Scripps' WSYM (Fox) in Lansing, Michigan (DMA 113), and KATC (ABC) in Lafayette, Louisiana (DMA 125). The acquisition of WSYM will create a duopoly in Lansing, where Gray owns WILX (NBC), and the acquisition of KATC will complement Gray's strong presence in the Southeast, including all other markets in Louisiana."

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-release ... 99033.html

[GrahamWellington]

From a local news standpoint, thank God it's Gray acquiring WSYM and not Scripps acquiring WILX. They can finally put that shit newscast on 47 down and revert back to 10 producing the 10:00.

[zoomer69]

I wonder, given their respective tower locations, if any movement will be made to move the WILX transmitter to the WSYM tower.

[localnewscat]

From a local news standpoint, thank God it's Gray acquiring WSYM and not Scripps acquiring WILX. They can finally put that shit newscast on 47 down and revert back to 10 producing the 10:00.

From a local news standpoint maybe look at the quality of stories on 47 and the amount of people that may lose their jobs for work they are passionate about instead of talking shit.

[gotigers]

From a local news standpoint, thank God it's Gray acquiring WSYM and not Scripps acquiring WILX. They can finally put that shit newscast on 47 down and revert back to 10 producing the 10:00.

This was my first thought, too. Nothing against the people doing their best with what management at Fox 47 gives them, but WILX will definitely improve the product. I would assume WILX will do a 10:00 newscast on Fox. (Unless it's been canceled, they currently do a 10:00 show on 10.2, so maybe that will get cut or they'll simulcast?) I wonder if they'll do an early evening newscast. For years, WILX produced a 5:30PM show on Fox, but now they do news 5:00-6:30. Maybe a local 6:30 newscast, or maybe they'll do a 7:00 show?

[JoeGebhardt]

Dang, after all that they end up just becoming part of WILX. I wish the best of luck to the staff there. I'm sure they're freaking out about their futures. That's never a fun time.

[SBaxley]

Should the FCC and regulatory folks approve it , I can see a lot of ch-ch-ch CHANGES including maybe a new logo to follow "The Gray Media Edict" somewhat.. [ ala WKYT & WGEM] but using the present FOX look, and a new news branding [like WANF TV ATLANTA] MID-MICHIGAN NEWS FIRST

[GrahamWellington]

From a local news standpoint, thank God it's Gray acquiring WSYM and not Scripps acquiring WILX. They can finally put that shit newscast on 47 down and revert back to 10 producing the 10:00.

...maybe look at the quality of stories on 47....

[GrahamWellington]

Should the FCC and regulatory folks approve it , I can see a lot of ch-ch-ch CHANGES including maybe a new logo to follow "The Gray Media Edict" somewhat.. [ ala WKYT & WGEM] but using the present FOX look, and a new news branding [like WANF TV ATLANTA] MID-MICHIGAN NEWS FIRST

[WOWwowWOW]

Obviously the whole news team will be gone. I'm sure Gary and some of the long term sellers are mighty anxious right now!

[statmanmi]

"Gray will acquire Scripps' WSYM (Fox) in Lansing, Michigan (DMA 113), and KATC (ABC) in Lafayette, Louisiana (DMA 125). The acquisition of WSYM will create a duopoly in Lansing, where Gray owns WILX (NBC), and the acquisition of KATC will complement Gray's strong presence in the Southeast, including all other markets in Louisiana."

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-release ... 99033.html

From the press release, in my opinion, the wording regarding the apparent need for a "Failing Station Waiver" to be granted by the FCC to allow a directly owned duopoly is rather assertive:

"The regulatory approvals will require certain waivers of outdated local ownership restrictions that have uniquely restricted local broadcasters' ability to compete in today's dynamic and highly competitive media environment. The parties intend to work closely with regulators, employees and other stakeholders to obtain the requisite approvals and to facilitate the smooth transitions of these stations to new ownership."

But I'm guessing there has been some discussions even before the press release was published. ~~ Cheers, Statmanmi

[MWmetalhead]

From a local news standpoint, thank God it's Gray acquiring WSYM and not Scripps acquiring WILX. They can finally put that shit newscast on 47 down and revert back to 10 producing the 10:00.

[MWmetalhead]

Now, it's time for Scripps to divest WXMI.

[DefendTheDen]

Scripps shouldn't have decided to do the news themselves and should've let WILX do the news or just let WXMI do the news for WSYM in my opinion. It's a full circle for FOX47 & WILX news with Gray getting FOX47, and now Lansing being a 2 TV station market with Nexstar/Mission owning CBS/ABC/CW & Gray NBC/FOX. I wouldn't be surprised if WXMI FOX17 will be on the block and sold.

[ChrisWL1980]

From a local news standpoint, thank God it's Gray acquiring WSYM and not Scripps acquiring WILX. They can finally put that shit newscast on 47 down and revert back to 10 producing the 10:00.

Hearing the word "neighborhood(s)" every 45 seconds on their newscasts is the epitome of cringe. The quality can only improve from here, one would hope.