Heartland Media: A History of Strategic Television Acquisitions
The landscape of American local broadcasting is often shaped by strategic acquisitions and mergers. Heartland Media emerged as a significant player in this sector, building a portfolio of television stations across various US markets through a series of calculated purchases and partnerships starting in the early 2010s.
The Early Growth Phase (2013–2014)
Heartland Media began its expansion in September 2013 with the acquisition of WKTV, an NBC affiliate in Utica, New York, purchased from Smith Media. This initial move set the stage for a rapid increase in the company's footprint.
By 2014, the company expanded into the Pacific Northwest by acquiring Chambers Communications. This deal included KEZI in Eugene, Oregon, and KDRV in Medford, Oregon, along with KDRV's satellite station, KDKF, located in Klamath Falls.
During the same year, Heartland partnered with MSouth Equity Partners to acquire WTVA, an NBC affiliate in Tupelo, Mississippi, from the Spain family. This acquisition also included a shared services agreement (a contract where one station provides technical or administrative services to another) with WLOV-TV, a Fox affiliate based in West Point and owned by Coastal Television.
Expanding the Portfolio (2015–2017)
In 2015, US Television Holdings acquired KHSL-TV, a CBS affiliate in Chico, California, from GOCOM Media, LLC. This transaction occurred alongside a separate deal where K4 Media Holdings sold KNVN, an NBC affiliate and Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) partner of KHSL, to Maxair Media, LLC. As part of this arrangement, KHSL retained the right to sell up to 15 percent of KNVN's advertising time.
The company continued its growth in 2016 when it agreed to purchase WAAY-TV, an ABC affiliate in Huntsville, Alabama, from Calkins Media. This sale, which closed on May 1, 2017, occurred as Calkins Media sold its remaining television properties to Raycom Media.
Strategic Market Shifts and FCC Compliance
On June 13, 2016, USA Television MidAmerica Holdings—a joint venture between Heartland Media and MSouth Equity Partners—announced the purchase of five small-market stations from Nexstar Broadcasting Group and Media General for $115 million. This transaction was essential for Nexstar to comply with FCC ownership rules, which regulate national market coverage and prohibit duopolies (the ownership of two stations in the same market) in the smallest US markets. The deal was finalized on January 17 following the approval of the Nexstar and Media General merger.
The most significant shift in ownership occurred on October 1, 2019, when Allen Media Broadcasting, a subsidiary of Entertainment Studios, announced the acquisition of 11 USA TV stations for $290 million. While ownership transferred to Allen Media, Heartland management was retained to continue managing the stations. The FCC officially approved this sale on November 22, 2019.
Key Facts
- First Acquisition: WKTV in Utica, NY (September 2013).
- Major Partnerships: Collaborated with MSouth Equity Partners and formed USA Television MidAmerica Holdings.
- Strategic Purchase: Acquired five small-market stations for $115 million to facilitate Nexstar's FCC compliance.
- Final Major Transition: 11 stations sold to Allen Media Broadcasting for $290 million in 2019.
Summary of Major Station Acquisitions
| Year | Station(s) | Market/Location | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | WKTV | Utica, NY | NBC |
| 2014 | KEZI, KDRV, KDKF | Oregon | Various |
| 2014 | WTVA | Tupelo, MS | NBC |
| 2015 | KHSL-TV | Chico, CA | CBS |
| 2017 | WAAY-TV | Huntsville, AL | ABC |
| 2016 | 5 Small-Market Stations | Various | Various |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Heartland Media start acquiring television stations?
Heartland Media made its first acquisition in September 2013, purchasing the NBC affiliate WKTV in Utica, New York.
Why did Nexstar sell five stations to USA Television MidAmerica Holdings?
The sale was necessary for Nexstar to comply with FCC ownership rules regarding national market coverage and the prohibition of duopolies in small markets during its merger with Media General.
What was the deal between KHSL-TV and KNVN?
KHSL-TV and KNVN were LMA partners; following a series of sales in 2015, KHSL was permitted to sell up to 15 percent of KNVN's advertising time.
Who acquired the USA TV stations in 2019?
Allen Media Broadcasting, a subsidiary of Entertainment Studios, acquired 11 of the stations for $290 million, though Heartland management continued to operate them.
What is a shared services agreement in the context of Heartland Media?
A shared services agreement is a contract where one station provides services to another; an example is the agreement between WTVA and WLOV-TV.