Chattanooga, Tennessee Media Landscape Overview

This Tennessee Valley DMA spans manufacturing, logistics, outdoor recreation, and tourism. Broadcasters emphasize severe weather, river flooding, transportation, and public services for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Network affiliates and subchannels operate with East Tennessee PBS and public radio; EAS partners coordinate for tornadoes, flooding, and heat advisories.

FCC translators extend valley coverage; 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 visitors.

Broadband fiber in metro areas enables multi‑device streaming; libraries and schools bolster 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.
• 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 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.
• Sports: Talk and play‑by‑play.
• 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 severe weather and river conditions.

Agencies, parks, and tourism boards use Facebook/Instagram/YouTube for advisories and events.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain essential for storms 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, local sports, outdoor recreation, and community services perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

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