WBRE

Station Profile

Nexstar acquired WBRE, an NBC affiliate, in January 1998, and later that year Nexstar significantly increased its operating efficiencies by entering into a shared services agreement with WYOU, a Mission Broadcasting station. Nexstar integrated both station’s operations into a new facility and significantly upgraded the technical capabilities and news sets of both stations, creating substantial opportunities for future growth. The station’s syndicated programming includes Oprah, Martha, Dr. Oz, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. Nexstar has significantly improved advertising rates by concentrating on inventory management. Nexstar has also strengthened the local news product and upgraded its local weather coverage capabilities. In November of 2002, WBRE began broadcasting both a digital and analog signal. In October of 2004, WBRE entered into a Joint Sales Agreement with WYOU, allowing for more effective marketing of both stations’ advertising inventory. On February 17, 2009, WBRE terminated its over the air analog broadcast signal in accordance with the nation’s transition to Digital television.

Market Profile

Wilkes-Barre / Scranton, PA is in the 59th largest DMA in the United States, with a population of approximately 1,324,360 and 589,190 television households, as reported by Nielsen Media.

Cable/ADS penetration in the market is estimated to be at 94% (55% wired, 39% ADS). The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.7% through 2011. The largest employers in this market are Wyoming Valley Health Care System, Proctor & Gamble Paper Products Co., Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., Commonwealth Telephone Company and Transcontinental Refrigerated Lines. Source: TVB, BIA Financial Network, Market Report 3rd Edition, 2007, Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and Scranton Chamber of Commerce, December 2007