WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Media today announced that it closed the purchase of the full power UHF broadcast TV station in Portland, Maine (WPME-TV) from Ironwood Communications. The station will affiliate with ION Television’s successful programming lineup, effective immediately, as WIPL-TV.
The transaction will expand the company’s station portfolio to 65 full power stations in 59 of the largest U.S. markets, and add nearly 400,000 new households to ION’s industry-leading broadcast reach.
“We remain on course to expand our nationwide U.S. TV broadcast distribution footprint,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman & CEO of ION Media. “We see dual benefits in our broadcast reach focus: Growing demand for ION Television’s programming lineup, plus having the preeminent UHF spectrum footprint in an increasingly wireless world.”
The acquisition also fortifies ION Media’s position as the largest U.S. holder of full power broadcast TV spectrum, covering 1.3 billion MHz pops across all key metropolitan areas, in the advent of wireless spectrum innovation and development.
About ION Media
ION Media is an independent, privately held media company launched in 2007. ION Media’s flagship, ION Television, is the most widely distributed and watched independent broadcast network in the U.S., reaching 100 million homes with a popular lineup of TV series and movies, including original shows. ION Media also nationally broadcasts two digital networks: Qubo, dedicated to children, with content that entertains, educates and celebrates learning; and ION Life, dedicated to healthy, active lifestyles. ION is the nation’s largest operator of TV broadcast stations by national household reach, with 65 full power stations. For more information, visit www.ionmedia.com.
Contact:
Chris Addeo
ION Media
561.682.4210
chrisaddeo@ionmedia.com