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The Tri-Cities DMA (Johnson City–Kingsport–Bristol) spans northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. Network affiliates, PBS, and community radio serve audiences focused on weather, healthcare, manufacturing, and regional higher‑ed, while CTV/streaming adoption grows with broadband expansion.
Affiliates for ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and The CW operate alongside East Tennessee PBS and regional public radio. FCC spectrum and ownership rules apply; agencies emphasize emergency alerts and public‑interest messaging.
Consolidation streamlines operations and syndication; public media complements commercial outlets with statewide reporting and educational programming.
Connected TVs, mobile alerts, and podcasts are mainstream. Publishers extend linear newscasts to FAST/CTV and social video; newsletters and push alerts sustain engagement during weather and school‑closure cycles.
Broadband varies by county; fiber and fixed‑wireless projects continue to narrow rural gaps.
Streaming, mobile news, and social video drive attention; alerts and newsletters sustain engagement during weather and commute cycles.
CTV/OTT with DMA targeting and first‑party data underpins measurable campaigns.
Live TV remains central for storms, elections, and high school sports. News/talk and public radio sustain strong time‑spent‑listening.
Healthcare, manufacturing, and higher‑ed topics draw consistent audiences.
| Indicator | Latest Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DMA market rank | Mid‑sized U.S. market | Nielsen DMA Rankings |
| Streaming share of TV usage | ~46% (U.S. reference, 2024) | Nielsen The Gauge |
| Broadband access | Mixed urban/suburban; rural gaps narrowing | FCC/National Broadband Map |
Local stations and public media sustain comparatively higher trust; transparency and service journalism bolster credibility.
Community engagement—call‑ins, town halls, and newsroom Q&As—supports trust.
Audiences blend live news/sports with on‑demand streaming and short‑form video. Weather, schools, and public safety are reliable drivers.
Accessibility features (captions, transcripts) broaden reach.
