CBS is switching the affiliation of stations in a half dozen markets from Nexstar-owned stations to those from Hearst and Forum Communications.

Nexstar said that CBS was extending affiliation in 36 of its markets, but that six others would switch to other networks. The changes will take effect on Aug. 1.

Among the markets impacted are Albuquerque, NM, where the CBS affiliate will switch to Hearst’s KOAT-TV, while Nexstar’s KRQE-TV will upgrade its Fox programming from a digital placement to its primary channel.

In Birmingham, AL, CBS will be affiliated with Hearst’s WVTM-TV, while Nexstar said that it plans to expand local news in the market, where it owns WIAT-TV. In Greenville, SC, CBS will be seen on Hearst’s WYFF-TV, moving from WSPA-TV, where Nexstar also plans to expand local news content.

In Jackson, MS, CBS will be found on Hearst’s WAPT-TV, and Nexstar plans to replace the CBS programming on WJTV-TV with its own network The CW, which has been on a digital channel.

In Bismarck, ND, CBS moves to Forum Communications’ KBMY-TV, with Nexstar’s KXMB-TV also upping The CW. In Rapid City, SD, CBS will go to Forum’s KNBN-TV, with Nexstar’s KCLO-TV also elevating The CW to the main channel.

Such changes are not all that uncommon, network-affiliate fee negotiations reflecting one of the pressure points of the station business. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has been outspoken in his view that national networks have too much leverage over the local outlets.

A Paramount spokesperson said, “We are pleased to have entered into several new CBS Television Network affiliation agreements, including extending our long-standing partnership with Nexstar, expanding our relationship with Hearst Television and welcoming Forum Communications Company into the CBS family. CBS has an unwavering commitment to our audience, and we are excited to continue to deliver our leading sports, news and entertainment programming to viewers across the country.”

A Nexstar spokesperson said that the multi-year agreement with CBS to extend its affiliations in 36 markets was reached this month.  

The spokesperson said, “We will be replacing the CBS affiliation with a CW affiliation in at least three markets (Jackson, MS,  Bismarck, ND and Rapid City, SD) and promoting FOX to replace CBS as our primary network in Albuquerque, NM.   We will be elevating the CW affiliations from the digital subchannels they currently occupy to a premiere slot widely available over-the-air and across all major paid platforms.  In addition, we look forward to expanding our local news in Greenville/Spartanburg, Birmingham, and several of these markets with the new scheduling flexibility these transitions will afford.” 

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