ABC buying WBPX? NBC moving to WCVB/WMUR?

[mvcg66b3r]

From Newsblues 5.25.17

ANOTHER BOSTON POWER PLAY?

An anonymous tipster reports that Ion Media has agreed to sell WBPX-32 in Boston (Market #9) to the ABC Owned Television Stations Group in a deal that could lead to Hearst's WCVB-5-ABC in Boston, and Hearst's WMUR-9-ABC in Manchester, NH, eventually losing their ABC affiliation.

WBPX is simulcast on two full-power satellites: WPXG-TV (virtual channel 21, digital channel 33) in Concord, New Hampshire and WDPX-TV (virtual channel 58, digital channel 40) in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts; and two low-power translator stations: WMPX-LP (channel 33) and W40BO in Boston.

WDPX, the Martha's Vineyard-based repeater of WBPX, was sold at the recent FCC auction for $43.5 million.

According to the tipster, ABC hopes to take over the Ion stations in September. "ABC is expected to sign a purchase agreement for a studio/office complex in suburban Boston within a day or two and will immediately start work to convert it into offices, a newsroom/studio, and a second studio for other local programs and commercials, as well as hiring a full staff, including a news staff of 80-90 persons."

If true, the ABC scenario would echo NBC's recent power play in Boston in which Sunbeam's WHDH-7 was stripped of its network affiliation. We have been unable to confirm the anonymous report.

 

[itsTheRolyPoly]

From Newsblues 5.25.17

Nope. If this was to happen, the only route for WCVB and WMUR is going Independent because there's NO WAY NBC is selling WBTS to then go on WCVB and WMUR.

 

[newsmark]

Nope. If this was to happen, the only route for WCVB and WMUR is going Independent because there's NO WAY NBC is selling WBTS to then go on WCVB and WMUR.

I agree about NBC. Their whole deal was they wanted to OWN their station in Boston. Going to WCVB doesn't solve that problem for them--unless they've come up with some unique arrangement with Hearst.

As far as ABC, this is really surprising. They really haven't been in "buy" mode for a while. Of all of the markets to pick a fight and cause such an upheaval, I wouldn't expect it to be Boston. My impression is they have a good relationship with a strong affiliate. (Not to mention, it could cause Hearst to look for new opportunities in several other markets where they own ABC affiliates.)

Then again, there are surprises every day, right?

If it's true, I'll bet NBC is really upset THEY couldn't/didn't buy WBPX.

 

[newsbot2]

A highly credible source tells me the rumor is complete and utter nonsense. It's NOT happening. With Newsblues undergoing an ownership change, can it afford this potentially fatal blow to its credibility?

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

I don't see Disney buying more TV stations. But wow why would Disney/ABC do this move to Hearst and grab ion in the process?

When did Ion actually announce that Disney was going to get a TV Station in Boston?

 

[itsTheRolyPoly]

Derrick Santos of New England One is saying that it is NOT happening, whatsoever. And New England One is credible.

 

[only1moore]

This one I don't see happening. WCVB and WMUR are doing well as ABC affiliates, so why tamper with a good thing.

 

[ChocoMingo]

I agree. I also don't see it happening too. In fact, that would be a "suicide move" by ABC, as WCVB is #1 in the entire market. A famous quote to give to ABC would be, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". In other words, don't mess with WCVB/WMUR, becuase they're already #1.