South Florida TV viewers get ready for a change! After a long run of almost 70 years WPLG-TV Local 10 and ABC are calling it quits. Yes you heard that right. Your go-to channel for ABC shows in Miami is switching things up. It is a major shift in the local TV landscape and we have got all the details for you.
WPLG Local 10 Says Goodbye to ABC: Money and Local Focus Drive the Change
The news broke during a station-wide meeting announced by WPLG's CEO E.R. Bert Medina . Turns out after months of talks WPLG and ABC just could not agree on a new deal. So as of August 4th ABC programming will no longer air on Channel 10.
Why the split? According to Medina it came down to finances. He stated WPLG made a solid offer to ABC but it wasn't enough. Medina explained that accepting ABC's proposed terms would have meant making tough choices like staff layoffs. WPLG has prided itself on avoiding layoffs unlike many other TV stations these days and they wanted to keep it that way.
Medina emphasized WPLG's main mission is to serve the South Florida community with local news and programming. He argued that sending more money to ABC in New York would have hurt their ability to deliver on that mission. He also pointed to the changing TV landscape. Network TV is not what it used to be he said. The programming from ABC is not as exclusive anymore with content appearing on many platforms even big events like the Oscars. WPLG felt they were not getting their money's worth anymore.
Instead of sending funds to the network WPLG plans to reinvest that money right here in South Florida. They are talking about a big expansion of their local news coverage and other local shows. "We are Local 10. Local is in our name" Medina declared. They are promising to serve the community in an "even bigger and better way".
Hello ABC Miami: Channel 7 WSVN Becomes the New Network Partner
So where will ABC programming go in Miami? Enter WSVN-Channel 7. Disney which owns ABC quickly announced a new partnership with Sunbeam Television Corporation which operates Channel 7. The new ABC affiliate will be called ABC Miami and will broadcast over the air on channel 7.2 starting August 4th.
Disney seems thrilled about the new partnership. Susi D’Ambra Coplan a senior VP at Disney Entertainment said Sunbeam shares Disney's "commitment to serving local communities" and recognizes "the value of ABC's esteemed brand". Disney also thanked WPLG for their long partnership.
Paul Magnes co-president of Sunbeam Television Corporation also expressed excitement. He noted that adding ABC programming will strengthen Channel 7's already strong presence in the market. Sunbeam a family-owned company has been in South Florida for nearly 70 years and is deeply committed to local news.
What Does This Mean for You? Channel Surfing Changes and More Local News on the Horizon
For viewers in Miami and Fort Lauderdale the biggest change is where to find your favorite ABC shows . Starting August 4th tune into WSVN-Channel 7.2 for ABC programming instead of WPLG Channel 10. For now ABC programming will continue on WPLG uninterrupted until the switch.
WPLG Channel 10 on the other hand is signaling a big investment in local content. Expect to see more local news maybe expanded coverage and new local shows. They are betting on a future where local focus is key. It will be interesting to see how both stations evolve in this new chapter.
WPLG Local 10's History and Warren Buffett Connection: End of an Era
The end of the ABC affiliation is truly the end of an era for WPLG. Channel 10 has been the ABC affiliate in Miami for decades almost 69 years to be exact. The station has a long and rich history in South Florida. It was owned for a long time by The Washington Post and the Graham family a name synonymous with quality journalism. Later it was sold to Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett's company in 2014.
While Berkshire Hathaway is not primarily a media company they have owned media outlets in the past. Warren Buffett's exit from the ABC affiliation world signifies a shift in the media business and WPLG's renewed focus on its local roots.
Key Changes for Miami TV Viewers:
- WPLG Local 10 and ABC are parting ways after nearly 69 years.
- ABC programming will leave WPLG Channel 10 on August 4th.
- ABC finds a new home on WSVN-Channel 7.2 rebranded as ABC Miami.
- WPLG cites financial disagreements and a focus on local content for the split.
- WPLG promises reinvestment in local news and programming expansion.
- Sunbeam Television Corporation (owner of WSVN Channel 7) is the new ABC partner.
- ABC Miami on Channel 7.2 will launch August 4th over-the-air.
- ABC programming will continue on WPLG until August 4th ensuring a smooth transition.
Tune In Stay Informed: Miami TV Scene Set for a Shake-Up
So there you have it a major TV shake-up in Miami and South Florida. Channel 7 is the new home for ABC and Channel 10 is going all in on local. It will be interesting to watch how this all unfolds and what it means for news and entertainment in the region. Keep your dials tuned and stay informed because things are definitely changing on your local airwaves!