El Paso–Las Cruces, TX–NM Media Landscape Overview

This border DMA spans military, logistics, cross‑border trade, healthcare, and education. Broadcasters emphasize extreme heat, dust/wind, transportation, bilingual alerts, and public services for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Network affiliates and subchannels operate with PBS (KCOS/KNME) and public radio; EAS partners coordinate for monsoon flooding, dust storms, heat advisories, and border travel safety.

FCC translators serve valleys and desert corridors; 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 bilingual messaging support commuters and cross‑border audiences.

Broadband fiber expands along I‑10/I‑25; libraries and schools bolster media literacy and device access.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX affiliates: Local news, weather, investigations, and sports.
• PBS (regional): Educational/cultural programming.
• Telemundo/Univision: Spanish‑language news and entertainment.
• The CW/MyNetworkTV: Syndicated entertainment and features.
• 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: Commute and alerts.
• Regional Mexican/Spanish CHR: Music and outreach.
• Top 40/CHR: Contemporary hits.
• Adult Contemporary: Workplace playlists.
• Classic Rock: Catalog programming.
• 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 support heat/dust advisories, road closures, and school schedules.

Agencies and campuses use Facebook/Instagram/YouTube for advisories and events.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain essential for bilingual alerts and local sports; drive‑time radio retains commuters.

Public media and weeklies sustain hyperlocal reporting across border communities.

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 heat season and storms.

Audience Preferences

Weather, cross‑border services, local sports, and lifestyle perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

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