The Hunger Games

Yesterday, FTVLive shared the advice from one of our readers about what to do if your station is being bought.

Another FTVLive reader has a different take on it.

Email:

Hi Scott,

I read the email another person regarding what to do if your station is being bought. The persons advice is a bit misguided.

Here’s my advice, If your station is being bought, Where does the station stand ratings wise in your market? What is your stations reputation? Billing numbers? If your station being bought ranks #1 and the company that’s buying you has a low rated station in the same market, DO NOT JUMP SHIP! Stay where you are!!!

The corporate executives do not care about longevity or loyalty to the company. They care about making money for their shareholders.  Whatever the new duopoly situation for your market, the station that’s the ratings winner will survive the layoffs while the losing station (even at the buyer station) will not survive. It will be a blood bath as the buying company looks at eliminating all duplicate roles. 

Don’t ever think you are safe because your company is buying another station in the same market. Look at your own station, it’s current market position and if your current station’s position is the “Dog in the market”,  then you might want to escape and find a new gig!!!

It’s time for everyone to make an assessment on where they work, how successful their station is and act now to make your move or NOT move depending on what makes strategic sense for you. Believe me, the corporate executives do not care about loyalty or you, they only care about profits and synergy from any consolidation.

It will be the Hunger Games so may the odds be ever in your favor