Broadcasting & Cable
Nashville isn’t exactly skating through the nation’s economic malaise. But general managers in the No. 29 DMA say the market is in relatively strong shape, thanks to a diverse economy that includes a substantial health-care industry, manufacturing and, of course, the entertainment business that gave Music City its nickname.
“People here are very positive about the economy,” says WSMV VP/General Manager Elden Hale. “We haven’t seen the flurry of layoffs that other markets have. It doesn’t seem to have affected us as deeply.”
That’s not to say the Nashville stations aren’t feeling it; business is down around 20% from last year. ABC affiliate WKRN’s parent, Young Broadcasting, is selling its stations out of bankruptcy court to a consortium of banks; Gray Television will manage seven of them, including WKRN, after the deal closes. More…