ION to Become Only Network with Owned Stations in 24 of Top 25 U.S. Markets
Purchases will Solidify ION’s Leadership as Largest U.S. TV Spectrum Operator
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Media today announced that it will purchase full power UHF broadcast TV stations in St. Louis, Missouri (WRBU-TV), Columbia, South Carolina (WZRB-TV), and Boise, Idaho (KTRV-TV).
The transactions, announced by Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO of ION Media, will expand the company’s station footprint to 63 stations in 58 of the largest U.S. markets, making ION the only network to operate TV stations in each of the 20 largest U.S. markets and 24 of the top 25.
“Growing our TV station portfolio will give U.S. households access to much-needed affordable independent entertainment, kids and lifestyle programming,” said Burgess. “These three important acquisitions will add 5 million viewers to our networks’ audience reach.”
The acquisitions will also expand ION Media’s position as the largest U.S. holder of full power UHF broadcast TV spectrum, covering 1.22 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 98 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 full power TV broadcast stations by national household reach, with 60 full power stations. For more information, visit www.ionmedia.com.