Thank you for another very insightful Three Things article.
I find it very difficult to be enthused about the mergers and acquisitions. For over four years I’ve worked at a small station in Pittsburg, KS not unlike the stations that were swallowed up by larger ones you write about. I’ve often wondered if my little station could one day become a repeater for better-financed neighboring stations KCUR, Kansas Public, or KMUW just to name stations in Kansas.
Also, why is station consolidation in commercial media viewed one way and portrayed another way in public media?
They both serve similar purposes. To save money for one party and try to make more money for the party that takes over. KSU didn’t want to support their station anymore, so Cap Radio stepped in. When you’re hired at North State Public you’re actually a Cap Radio employee. Who does that benefit? The GM and station management that pulls deals together to consolidate and work to create huge, sometimes statewide networks.
It doesn't likely doesn’t benefit, my friends and colleagues who have been laid off as a result of some of the mergers and acquisitions you’ve written about. Surely, you know some of these individuals as well.
Hi Tim,
Thank you for another very insightful Three Things article.
I find it very difficult to be enthused about the mergers and acquisitions. For over four years I’ve worked at a small station in Pittsburg, KS not unlike the stations that were swallowed up by larger ones you write about. I’ve often wondered if my little station could one day become a repeater for better-financed neighboring stations KCUR, Kansas Public, or KMUW just to name stations in Kansas.
Also, why is station consolidation in commercial media viewed one way and portrayed another way in public media?
They both serve similar purposes. To save money for one party and try to make more money for the party that takes over. KSU didn’t want to support their station anymore, so Cap Radio stepped in. When you’re hired at North State Public you’re actually a Cap Radio employee. Who does that benefit? The GM and station management that pulls deals together to consolidate and work to create huge, sometimes statewide networks.
It doesn't likely doesn’t benefit, my friends and colleagues who have been laid off as a result of some of the mergers and acquisitions you’ve written about. Surely, you know some of these individuals as well.