Nexstar Purchases Cleveland TV Station WBNX-TV 55: Strengthening News and Entertainment Presence in Northeast Ohio
Summary
Nexstar Media Group, a leading owner of independent TV stations, has agreed to purchase Cleveland’s WBNX-TV. The local CW affiliate will return to the airwaves starting September 1, 2025.
Deal Details
Nexstar, headquartered in Irving, Texas, is acquiring WBNX-TV from Winston Broadcasting Company. WBNX will become Nexstar’s third TV station in the Cleveland market, following WJW-TV, the local Fox affiliate. The acquisition is expected to close next year, pending FCC review.
Implications for Viewers
The CW, returning to WBNX, will bring its popular programming, showcasing DC superheroes, such as Green Arrow, The Flash, and Batwoman, to Northeast Ohio. With this move, more television options will be available to viewers in the region.
Local Sports Coverage
To fill the gap left by The CW moving to WBNX, WUAB Channel 43, currently The CW’s local affiliate, will air My Network syndicated programming and simulcast live sports broadcasts from the Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN). RESN is the TV home for the Cleveland Monsters and Cleveland Charge starting next fall.
Expert Opinion
Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, emphasized the importance of the acquisition, stating, "The acquisition of WBNX-TV strengthens our presence in Cleveland, a top-20 television market, and in the political battleground state of Ohio. WBNX-TV will complement our existing operations at WJW-TV, the local news leader in Cleveland, by diversifying our programming for viewers and advertisers with the addition of CW sports and entertainment programming."
Gray Media, WUAB’s parent company, anticipates further programming announcements for the reteamed network, aiming to bring back live, local sports, reminiscent of the station’s history with the Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers in the 1970s and 1980s.
Casting Call-to-Action
Stay tuned for more updates on the local entertainment landscape as Nexstar’s acquisition of WBNX-TV takes shape and brings new sports and entertainment opportunities to Northeast Ohio audiences.
Follow Archynetys for more insightful media industry news and trends!
