Local TV's Next Big Test: Consolidation, Sports and the Fight for Relevance

The rules of local television are changing fast—and not necessarily for the better. On this solo episode of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon breaks down two of the biggest stories reshaping the future of local media. First, he examines the FCC's proposed elimination of the 39% broadcast ownership cap and asks whether more consolidation will truly strengthen local journalism—or simply accelerate the industry's long-term decline. Then he turns to the collapse of regional sports networks and explains why local broadcasters suddenly have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine their role in sports media. Will broadcasters use this moment to prove their value? Or will the leagues ultimately build a streaming-first future that leaves local TV behind?