Biloxi–Gulfport, Mississippi Media Landscape Overview

This Gulf Coast DMA combines tourism, gaming, ports, and military with a strong focus on hurricane readiness and recovery. Viewers mix OTA, cable, and CTV; stations prioritize severe weather, traffic, schools, and community services.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Group-owned affiliates and subchannels operate with PBS/public radio; EAS partners coordinate for tropical systems, flooding, and evacuations.

FCC translators extend coverage along the coast; agencies and colleges collaborate on preparedness and public‑service content.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Simulcasts on apps/YouTube and FAST expand reach; push alerts and SMS support storm tracking and closures.

Broadband investments and public Wi‑Fi improve resilience during outages; libraries and schools extend device access and literacy.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC affiliate: Local news, weather, investigations.
• CBS affiliate: Breaking news and sports.
• NBC affiliate: Consumer reporting and alerts.
• FOX affiliate: NFL, entertainment, local updates.
• PBS member: Educational/cultural programming.
• The CW/MyNetworkTV: Syndicated entertainment and features.
• Telemundo/Univision (regional): Spanish‑language news and variety.
• Ion/MeTV (subs): Procedurals/classic TV.
• Weather subchannels: Continuous forecasts and radar.
• Local access: Public meetings and community programs.

Major Radio Broadcasting Networks

• NPR member station: News/talk and statewide reporting.
• All‑news/Traffic/Weather: Commute and alerts.
• Country: Local hosts and promotions.
• Top 40/CHR: Contemporary hits.
• Adult Contemporary: Workplace playlists.
• Classic Rock: Catalog programming.
• Regional Mexican: Music and community outreach.
• Sports: Talk and play‑by‑play.
• Faith/Inspirational: Religious programming.
• Public safety/NOAA: Weather and emergency bulletins.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

CTV and social video extend reach; push alerts and live streams surge during tropical events and recovery phases.

Tourism boards, schools, and agencies use Facebook/Instagram/YouTube for advisories and events.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio are critical for hurricane coverage and evacuation info; drive‑time radio maintains loyalty among commuters and shift workers.

Public media and weeklies sustain hyperlocal reporting across coastal towns.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Meteorology, investigative units, and public media explainers rate highly; bilingual alerts broaden access.

Transparency and community engagement strengthen trust during storms and elections.

Audience Preferences

Weather, local sports, tourism/lifestyle, and community updates perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2025/the-gauge-may-2025/
• https://www.fcc.gov/media/television/broadcast-ownership
• https://www.mpbonline.org/