NABOB calls merger of WB and UPN 'inequitable' to black TV station owners

(February 8, 2006) The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters has sounded an alarm about the impact to African-American TV owners of the recently announced merger of the WB and UPN networks.

In a statement released last week, NABOB called the lose of the two networks to create the CW network "a severe blow to African American owners of television stations." The black-owned stations that were affiliates of the WB and UPN are facing the prospect of having no programming source and may be have to become independent stations buying all of their programs on the open market.

"Two NABOB members, Granite Broadcasting Corporation, headed by Don Cornwell, and Roberts Broadcasting Company, headed by NABOB Board Member Michael Roberts, may be affected by the potential loss of affiliations," said the NABOB statement. 

"This is a situation that must be addressed by the FCC and Congress. The merger will have a disproportionately negative effect on minority and small station owners. Moreover, this situation is symptomatic of the overall decline in minority ownership resulting from FCC and Congressional policies that have allowed the excessive concentration of control in the broadcast industry." 

"Which stations will receive the CW affiliation in each market is being decided in behind-the-scenes negotiations between the WB and UPN," the statement continued."They have given their affiliates no information about the criteria that is being used to decide which stations will receive a CW affiliation nor have they told their affiliates when they will be advised about CW affiliations.  This has left most affiliates with no ability to plan for the future and little hope of short-term success without a CW affiliation.  

"This situation is unjust and inequitable. NABOB will join with its members and other affected stations to prevent the WB and UPN from dumping its affiliates with no regard for these companies or the communities they serve."

The 30-year-old NABOB is the first and largest trade organization representing the interests of African-American owners of radio and television stations across the country.


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