Boston–Manchester, Massachusetts Media Landscape Overview

This top‑10 New England DMA spans higher education, healthcare, tech, finance, and government. Broadcasters emphasize coastal weather, transportation, public health, and sports for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences across MA/NH.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Network affiliates and subchannels operate with GBH/WGBH (PBS) and public radio; EAS partners coordinate for nor’easters, flooding, and extreme heat.

FCC policies support spectrum efficiency; universities and civic groups collaborate on public‑service and educational programming.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Simulcasts on apps/YouTube and FAST extend reach; push alerts and newsletters support commuters and students.

Broadband ubiquity enables multi‑device consumption; libraries and campuses expand media literacy and device access.

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.
• GBH/PBS: Educational/cultural programming.
• The CW/MyNetworkTV: Syndicated entertainment and features.
• Spanish‑language (regional): 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 stations: News/talk and statewide reporting.
• All‑news/Traffic/Weather: Headlines, commute, alerts.
• Sports: Talk and play‑by‑play.
• Top 40/CHR: Contemporary hits.
• Adult Contemporary: Workplace playlists.
• Classic Rock: Catalog programming.
• Alternative/Rock: Regional music and events.
• Faith/Inspirational: Religious programming.
• Spanish‑language (regional): Music and outreach.
• Public safety/NOAA: Weather and emergency bulletins.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

CTV and social video extend reach beyond prime; push alerts support coastal weather and transit advisories.

Universities, health systems, and agencies use Facebook/Instagram/YouTube for alerts, events, and services.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain essential for storms, elections, and local sports; drive‑time radio retains commuters.

Public media and weeklies sustain hyperlocal reporting across metro and suburbs.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Meteorology, investigative units, and public media explainers rate highly; clear, accessible updates broaden reach.

Transparency and community engagement strengthen trust during storms and elections.

Audience Preferences

Weather, pro/college sports, health/education, and lifestyle perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

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