Archive · 24 Jul 2026
CBS Switches Affiliations in Six Markets
CBS is changing its TV station partners in six cities.
Instead of showing on Nexstar's stations, CBS will now be on stations owned by Hearst and Forum Communications.
This change happens on August 1.
In some places, Nexstar will show different channels like The CW and Fox instead of CBS.
CBS says they are happy to work with new partners and keep showing sports, news, and entertainment.
Nexstar says they will add more local news in some cities.
The head of the FCC thinks big networks have too much power over local TV stations.
CBS is switching affiliations from Nexstar to Hearst and Forum Communications in six markets.
The changes will take effect on August 1.
Nexstar will replace CBS with The CW in three markets and promote Fox to primary in Albuquerque.
CBS will expand its reach and commitment to viewers in the new markets.
Nexstar plans to expand local news in several markets affected by the changes.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has expressed concerns about the leverage of national networks over local outlets.
- Who
- CBS, Nexstar, Hearst, Forum Communications
- What
- CBS is switching affiliations from Nexstar to Hearst and Forum Communications in six markets
- When
- Effective August 1
- Where
- Albuquerque, NM; Birmingham, AL; Greenville, SC; Jackson, MS; Bismarck, ND; Rapid City, SD
- Why
- Network-affiliate fee negotiations and strategic business decisions
CBS and Hearst/Forum Communications
Nexstar
Affiliation Changes
CBS and Hearst/Forum Communications
CBS is switching affiliations to Hearst and Forum Communications stations in six markets, expanding its reach and commitment to viewers.
Nexstar
Nexstar will replace CBS programming with The CW in three markets and promote Fox to primary in Albuquerque, while expanding local news in several markets.
- Markets Affected
- Albuquerque, NM; Birmingham, AL; Greenville, SC; Jackson, MS; Bismarck, ND; Rapid City, SD
- Effective Date
- August 1
- CBS Affiliations Extended
- 36 markets
- CBS New Affiliations
- Hearst and Forum Communications
- Nexstar Replacements
- The CW and Fox
- FCC Chairman's View
- National networks have too much leverage over local outlets