Data Dump: A Look at Big-Four Duopolies in the Upper Midwest

Posted on by Jon Ellis

The existence of one company running two or more major TV network affiliations is the rule rather than the exception in small and medium markets around the country. This is usually accomplished either by using a subchannel or a low-power station, neither of which is covered by ownership rules.

Here’s a look at the combinations that exist in the Upper Midwest:

MarketNetworksOwnerForm of second network
Bismarck-MinotNBC, FOXGraySubchannel
Cedar RapidsCBS, FOXSinclairSubchannel
Des MoinesNo big-4 duopolyFOX affiliate newscast produced by NBC affiliate
DuluthNBC, CBSGraySubchannel
FargoNBC, CBSGrayLow-power station/subchannel simulcast
Green BayNo big-4 duopoly
La Crosse-Eau ClaireNo big-4 duopolyFOX affiliate newscast produced by NBC affiliate
Lincoln-Tri CitiesCBS, NBCGraySecond full-power station acquired through failing station waiver prior to NBC affiliation
Lincoln-Tri CitiesABC, FOXSinclairSecond full-power station does not overlap (a second separately-owned ABC affiliate also exists)
MadisonNo big-4 duopolyFOX affiliate newscast produced by CBS affiliate
MankatoCBS, FOX, NBCGrayFOX on subchannel, NBC on low-power station
MarquetteNBC, FOXGraySubchannel
MilwaukeeNo big-4 duopoly
MinneapolisNo big-4 duopoly
North PlatteNBC, CBS, FOXLow-power stations/subchannel simulcast
OmahaNo big-4 duopoly
Ottumwa-KirksvilleABC, CBSSinclairSubchannel
Ottumwa-KirksvilleFOX, NBCGraySubchannel
Quad CitiesCBS, FOXNexstarShared services agreement
Rapid CityABC, FOXGrayLow-power station/subchannel simulcast
Rochester-Austin-Mason CityNBC, FOXGrayShared services agreement
Sioux CityFOX, CBSSinclairSubchannel
Sioux FallsABC, NBC, FOXGrayWaiver of rules for NBC; subchannel for FOX
Wausau-RhinelanderCBS, FOXGrayLow-power station/subchannel simulcast

RELATED: Ownership of big-four affiliates in the Upper Midwest