Wow... I worked late tonight at an Opelika city council meeting. Holy moly. These things are becoming a circus lately. They're trying to privatize the Public Works department. Two entities becoming one...
Speaking of that, I got back into the office tonight and read a press release from our company (Raycom Media) president. They've just bought Liberty Corporation. That gives Raycom another 15 TV stations, bringing the total up to 52.
What's funny about this is they've bought WSFA in Montgomery. We have kind of a bone to pick with them, especially the three of us over in the East Alabama bureau. There are three stations that broadcast news in Lee County: WTVM, WRBL and WSFA. Out of the three stations, WSFA dominates the ratings. They're not even in our market (technically), but more people here watch them.
I grew up watching them myself. WSFA has a heck of a coverage area. All the way up here, back down to the Florida panhandle and then out toward West Alabama. Bob Howell, one of their main anchors, and I went to the same high school. We've often talked in passing, and I do like the people there.
The difference is they're an Alabama station. We're not, so people more concerned with Alabama news watch them. To me, it's sad because they never show up here. They'll pop their heads in occasionally, but we've got a two-reporter bureau in Auburn-Opelika.
I would bet money we have twice as many stories about this area than they do per month. However, when East Alabama news is over, it's back to Georgia news. Folks here don't really care about that.
I guess if you can't beat 'em... buy 'em.
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It DID seem strange that Raycom Media had its HQ in Montgomery, yet didn't own any stations there.
Imagine the expanded Montgomery coverage you'll be able to do, in cooperation with "The Sofa" -- well, maybe....
Great... more Raycom stations that won't hire me when I apply for a transfer. Not that I'm bitter. Nope. Not me.
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