Barrington Broadcasting: A History of Growth and Acquisition
The landscape of American medium and small market television was significantly shaped by the rise and eventual acquisition of Barrington Broadcasting. Founded by a group of seasoned industry veterans, the company carved out a niche for itself by focusing on regional markets and embracing the digital transition of the early 21st century.
The Foundation of Barrington Broadcasting
Barrington Broadcasting was established in May 2003. The company was formed by a team of former executives from Benedek Broadcasting, following Benedek's bankruptcy and the subsequent divestiture of its television assets in 2002. The founding team was led by K. James Yager, the former President of Benedek, alongside Senior Vice-Presidents Chris Cornelius, Keith Bland, and Mary Flodin.
The group's primary objective was to build a broadcasting entity specifically tailored for medium and small market television, leveraging their collective experience in regional media management.
Early Operations and Strategic Expansion
The company officially began its operations in January 2004. Its initial portfolio consisted of former Benedek stations, including WHOI-TV in Peoria, Illinois, and KHQA-TV, which serves the Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois markets. Additionally, the company acquired WEYI-TV in Vienna Township, Michigan.
While the company grew modestly between 2004 and early 2006 by adding five additional stations, it soon entered a phase of rapid acceleration. On March 27, 2006, Barrington reached a landmark agreement with Raycom Media to purchase twelve network-affiliated television stations for $262 million. This transaction was finalized on August 11, significantly expanding the company's footprint across the United States.
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Digital Innovation
Beyond physical expansion, Barrington Broadcasting distinguished itself by integrating new technologies into its business model. In its later years, the company was a leader in merging social media and internet content with traditional on-air broadcasts, adapting to the changing consumption habits of modern audiences.
The Transition to Sinclair Broadcast Group
The era of Barrington as an independent entity came to an end in late 2012 when the Pilot Group announced that the company was up for sale. Two major industry players, Nexstar Broadcasting Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, entered final negotiations to acquire the full regiment of stations.
On February 28, 2013, it was officially announced that Barrington would sell its assets to Sinclair. Following a review process, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—the government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications—granted approval for the sale on November 18. The transaction was formally consummated on November 25, 2013.
Key Facts
- Founded: May 2003 by former Benedek Broadcasting executives.
- Founding Team: K. James Yager, Chris Cornelius, Keith Bland, and Mary Flodin.
- Major Acquisition: Purchased 12 stations from Raycom Media in 2006 for $262 million.
- Initial Stations: WHOI-TV, KHQA-TV, and WEYI-TV.
- Final Sale: Acquired by Sinclair Broadcast Group in November 2013.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| May 2003 | Company Formation | Established by former Benedek executives. |
| January 2004 | Operational Launch | Acquired WHOI-TV, KHQA-TV, and WEYI-TV. |
| August 11, 2006 | Major Expansion | Completed $262 million purchase of 12 Raycom stations. |
| February 28, 2013 | Sale Announcement | Agreement to sell all stations to Sinclair. |
| November 25, 2013 | Final Consummation | Sale to Sinclair formally completed after FCC approval. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Barrington Broadcasting?
The company was founded in May 2003 by K. James Yager, Chris Cornelius, Keith Bland, and Mary Flodin, all of whom were former executives at Benedek Broadcasting.
How did Barrington Broadcasting expand its portfolio in 2006?
Barrington significantly grew its reach by purchasing twelve network-affiliated television stations from Raycom Media for a total of $262 million.
What was Barrington's approach to modern media?
The company was a pioneer in integrating internet content and social media into its traditional on-air television broadcasts.
Which company eventually acquired Barrington Broadcasting?
After a period of negotiations involving both Nexstar and Sinclair, the company was acquired by the Sinclair Broadcast Group.
When was the sale to Sinclair officially completed?
The transaction was formally consummated on November 25, 2013, following approval from the FCC on November 18.