Nexstar, CBS Ink Affiliation Deal

Nine CBS affils good to go through 2018

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/10/2012 11:53:30 AM

Nexstar and CBS have entered into an affiliation agreement for nine stations that are good through 2018. The deal covers eight Nexstar-owned stations: KLBK Lubbock, KLST San Angelo (Texas); KTAB Abilene-Sweetwater (Texas), WCIA Champaign-Springfield-Decatur, WFRV Green Bay, WJMN Marquette, WMBD Peoria-Bloomington and WROC Rochester.

In addition, Mission Broadcasting has entered into a new long-term affiliation agreement for its KOLR Springfield (Mo.). Nexstar has a management deal with Mission.

"We are delighted to continue our relationship with CBS in these important television markets through the long-term extension of our affiliation agreements," said Perry Sook, Nexstar president and CEO. "CBS has a strong slate of programming. Our affiliation with CBS combined with our stations' market-leading local news and unique community-focused programming allows us to deliver great entertainment and information to viewers as well as superior marketing solutions for advertisers."

Nexstar's affiliation clash with the Fox network in 2011 resulted in several Nexstar stations losing their Fox affiliations.

"This mutually beneficial long-term affiliation renewal recognizes the value of CBS Television programming," said Diana Wilkin, president of affiliate relations at CBS. "These are nine important markets where Nexstar has consistently delivered strong local programming and community service, which has complemented television's #1 line-up and news and sports franchises extremely well."

The previous affiliation agreements for the nine stations expired at various times in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The affiliation agreements for the remaining Nexstar or Mission stations, WTAJ Johnstown-Altoona and WYOU Wilkes Barre-Scranton (owned by Mission), follow separate renewal schedules and are due to expire in June 2016 and June 2015, respectively.