Meredith wants K.C. duopoly.(Q & A)(Brief Article)

Broadcasting & Cable, February, 2005 by Romano, Allison

In one patch of Meredith country, the broadcast group is trying to extend its reach. The company filed for a waiver with the FCC to purchase Sinclair Broadcasting's WB affiliate KSMO Kansas City, Mo., and forge a duopoly with its own CBS affiliate KCTV.

Meredith already has a stake in the station: It handles ad sales. Sinclair has agreed to sell for $33.5 million--$26.8 million for a controlling interest and another $6.7 million if Meredith is awarded the KSMO license. But current FCC rules limit a new duopoly in Kansas City, the No. 31 TV market. Eight independently owned commercial stations must exist in a market. With Sinclair gone, Kansas City would have six station owners.

Meredith's strategy is to secure a "failing-station" waiver. The FCC...

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