Hearst Buying WBBH Fort Myers-Naples, Fla.

Hearst has agreed to acquire NBC affiliate WBBH Fort Myers-Naples, Fla., from Waterman Broadcasting, subject to regulatory approvals. WBBH also broadcasts the Heroes & Icons network on a subchannel. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Under the transaction, Hearst will assume Waterman Broadcasting’s programming relationship with Montclair Communications Inc., owner of WZVN, the market’s ABC affiliate. WZVN also broadcasts the MeTV and Dabl networks on its subchannels.

The acquisition of WBBH expands Hearst’s presence in Florida. The company also owns:

• WESH and WKCF, the NBC and CW affiliates in Orlando
• WPBF, the ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach
• WMOR, an independent in Tampa-St. Petersburg

Hearst Television reaches nearly one out of every five households in the U.S.

WBBH-TV and WZVN-TV have earned multiple awards for compelling and in-depth journalism and for service to the Fort Myers and Naples communities. Collectively, the stations earned three national Edward R. Murrow Awards in 2022 from the Radio Television Digital News Association.

Steven R. Swartz, Hearst president and CEO, said: “This transaction provides an excellent strategic fit for our company and underscores our commitment to local television broadcasting and to leadership in our television markets across the country.”

Jordan Wertlieb, Hearst Television president, said: “Bernie and Edith Waterman have been outstanding stewards of WBBH-TV and the programming relationship with WZVN-TV. They have served the viewers of Fort Myers and Naples with distinction since 1979. Of course, both stations provided important lifesaving coverage during Hurricane Ian and have been providing information and updates as the area recovers and rebuilds. We are proud to have been selected to continue the legacy of such distinguished broadcasters.”

Steve Pontius, Waterman Broadcasting executive vice president and general manager, said: “Waterman Broadcasting has always placed paramount importance on local journalism and unwavering service to the community. Southwest Florida viewers have known for decades that they can ‘Count on NBC2’.  I am confident that Hearst is the best television broadcaster in America to continue that commitment.”

“The decision to sell WBBH is challenging and emotional,” said Edith B. Waterman, president of Waterman Broadcasting. “We have had the great privilege of proudly serving southwest Florida for more than four decades. Broadcasting has filled our lives with wonderful relationships and deep ties to our communities. I am so grateful to all the talented and dedicated employees who made our innovative stations pillars of their communities and great places to work and grow over the last 67 years.”

Michael J. Hayes, Hearst Television chief operating officer, added: “Hearst Television has long admired the manner in which Waterman Broadcasting, together with Montclair Communications, under the leadership of Lara Kunkler, have demonstrated a consistent commitment to excellence in both news and community service; these are the twin pillars of success in local television and are core tenets of Hearst. We look forward to upholding that tradition in the rapidly growing Southwest Florida region.”

Fort Myers/Naples is the 55th largest television market in the United States. The acquisition would add a 12th NBC affiliate to the Hearst station group. Hearst also owns 14 ABC affiliates. Both represent significant partnerships with the respective networks.

WBBH went on the air in December 1968 as the market’s NBC affiliate. Waterman Broadcasting Corp. was founded by Bernard Waterman in 1956 when he purchased WAAB-AM in Worcester, Mass. WBBH and what is now WZVN began a programming relationship in 1994.

The anticipated closing date for the transaction is third-quarter 2023, pending completion of all regulatory approvals.