We have it on good ear that WFLX have sold their offices on Blue Heron boulevard and will move out of them and into WPTV’s building at the end of May. Also, out of the 40 or so staff members 30 have been laid off, leaving about a dozen in management and ad sales to support the operation.
There is also talk that WFLX owner Raycom may be interested in selling the station, something many suggested was the next step after WPTV announced WFLX will be moving into their building while also producing that station’s newscasts. For now all this makes WPTV owner Scripps appear as the most likely to gobble up WFLX given how the Fox affiliate has all but a broadcast tower left to their name. Any other buyer from outside would have to spend considerable amount of money for new studio operations, assuming of course they would be interested in developing a full fledged news operation.
Wow, that’s a shocker. Really.
It should be noted that Scripps’ only duopoly at this time is in Kansas City (KSHB/KMCI).
I am so saddened by this. Not because of the route the station is taking, but it’s disappointing to hear about the dozens of people who have lost their jobs. Some people never recover from layoffs, especially in the TV news business. It’s a sad time for them. Please guys, call your friends at WFLX. Even if you don’t have hookups in nearby markets for jobs, offer a listening ear; it will mean wonders.
A WPTV/WFLX wouldn’t surprise me. Not only that, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see WFLX’s newscast (only) replace the Scripps theme witht he FOX OSI theme.
I’m also willing to bet that the next thing to happen in WPB is a WPBF/WPEC duopoly with WPBF owning last-place WPEC. BTW, Where DOES WPEC stand in the ratings?
WPEC is 2nd in ratings. Hearst cannot legally buy that station. I am not even sure Scripps could purchase WFLX without raising questions.
Really? I’m noticing a great deal of news on 25, which may me think that 25 was 2nd, but thanks for keeping me up to date.
I started working there when the building was finished! I remember the dirt floors!