South Bend-Elkhart, Indiana Media Landscape Overview

The South Bend–Elkhart DMA spans higher education, manufacturing, and healthcare hubs. Broadcasters focus on severe weather, transportation, and local sports for audiences mixing OTA, cable, and connected TV.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Group owners operate network affiliates and subchannels; PBS supports education and public‑service content. EAS coordination and agency partnerships bolster winter‑storm readiness.

FCC spectrum and translator policies enable regional reach; civic groups and universities collaborate on community programming and internships.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Stations simulcast newscasts on apps and YouTube; newsletters and push alerts serve commuters and students.

Broadband investments expand access across the metro and exurbs; libraries and campuses extend media literacy and device lending.

Leading Television Channels

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

Major Radio Broadcasting Networks

• NPR member station: News/talk and statewide reporting.
• All‑news/Traffic/Weather: Headlines, commute, and alerts.
• Country: Local personalities and promotions.
• Top 40/CHR: Contemporary hits and contests.
• Adult Contemporary: Workplace‑friendly playlists.
• Classic Rock: Catalog programming and features.
• Sports: Talk and play‑by‑play.
• Faith/Inspirational: Religious programming and services.
• Spanish‑language (regional): News, music, and community outreach.
• Public safety/NOAA: Weather and emergency bulletins.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

CTV and social video extend reach beyond prime time; push alerts support commuters and winter‑weather readiness.

Institutions use Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for events, safety, and services.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain strong for weather, high school/college sports, and civic coverage. Drive‑time radio retains loyal audiences.

Public media and weeklies sustain hyperlocal reporting across towns.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Audiences value meteorology, investigative units, and public media explainers; bilingual and plain‑language updates broaden access.

Transparency and community engagement strengthen trust during storms and elections.

Audience Preferences

Weather, local sports, true‑crime, and lifestyle perform well. Short‑form updates and emergency alerts 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/