Fresno–Visalia, California Media Landscape Overview

This Central Valley DMA spans agriculture, logistics, healthcare, and education. Broadcasters emphasize wildfire smoke, drought, winter fog, transportation, and public services for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Network affiliates and subchannels operate with Valley PBS and public radio; EAS partners coordinate for wildfire smoke, floods, and extreme heat.

FCC translators extend foothill 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 SMS support evacuations and closures.

Broadband projects expand access; libraries and schools bolster media literacy and device lending.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX affiliates: Local news, weather, investigations, and sports.
• Valley PBS: 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 smoke/air‑quality, 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 wildfire and winter fog coverage; drive‑time radio retains commuters.

Public media and weeklies sustain hyperlocal reporting across the valley.

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 wildfire and flood seasons.

Audience Preferences

Weather, agriculture/economy, local sports, and safety perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2024/dma-rankings/
• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/the-gauge/
• https://www.weather.gov/