Hearst Closes On WPXT Portland Purchase

Hearst Television said Friday it has completed its previously announced $3.35 million acquisition of WPXT Portland-Auburn, Maine (DMA 84), from Ironwood Communications, following regulatory approval.

The CW affiliate also carries MeTV and MyNetworkTV programming on its digital subchannels. Hearst also owns the market’s ABC affiliate, WMTW.

The addition of WPXT expands Hearst’s significant presence in New England. In addition to WMTW, it owns WCVB, the ABC affiliate in Boston; WMUR, the ABC affiliate serving Manchester, N.H.; and two stations serving Burlington, Vt.-Plattsburgh, N.Y.: WPTZ, the NBC affiliate, and WNNE, which recently became a CW affiliate.

“WPXT is a natural fit for our portfolio and enhances our ability to serve the community in Portland while extending our commitment in New England,” said Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb. “WMTW and WPXT will be a powerful combination for viewers and advertisers.”

The acquisition adds a sixth CW affiliate to the Hearst station group, which, in addition to WNNE, includes CW-affiliates in Orlando, Fla.; Kansas City, Mo.; and Greensboro/Winston-Salem, N.C., as well as a digital CW channel in Fort Smith-Fayetteville, Ark.