A huge movement has altered the television landscape in South Florida. WPLG Local 10 has dissolved its nearly 70-year association with the ABC network, preferring for complete independence. This transition means that ABC programming has a new home in the region, ushering in a new age for both local broadcasting and viewing habits.

This move has provoked numerous inquiries from viewers. Where can you currently discover your favorite ABC shows? How does WPLG's independence affect its local news coverage? This guide explains everything you need to know about South Florida's significant TV channel move, so you can keep up with all of your favorite shows.

Understanding the South Florida TV Channel Shift: WPLG Local 10 against ABC Miami

For 69 years, WPLG Local 10 was the ABC station for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market. WPLG was the primary channel for ABC's national programming, including popular shows and important athletic events, because to this long-standing arrangement. However, a contract dispute between WPLG's owner, Berkshire Hathaway, and the ABC network resulted in an impasse.

Why did WPLG and ABC part ways?

The separation is due to a disagreement over the terms of the affiliation agreement. Bert Medina, WPLG's General Manager, stated the station's perspective. "We made a generous offer to ABC, but it became clear the two sides were not going to agree to a new deal," Medina told me. He also stated that if WPLG had accepted to ABC's requirements, their purpose to serve the community would have suffered.

A major point of criticism was the loss of exclusivity. Medina pointed out that even high-quality ABC content, such as the Oscars, was being shown on other platforms. "We no longer feel we are getting what we pay for," he told me. This echoes a larger national trend in which networks are increasingly directing viewers to their own streaming services, potentially undermining conventional affiliate ties.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is also monitoring these issues. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has expressed concerns, noting that the agency is looking into networks' "attempt to extract onerous financial and operational concessions from local broadcast TV stations." This shows that the WPLG-ABC split is not an isolated instance, but rather part of a bigger trend affecting local broadcasting throughout the country.

ABC Miami on Channel 18 (WSVN 7.2): Your new home.

Following WPLG's departure, the ABC network swiftly found a new home in South Florida. ABC Miami has been launched on WSVN's digital channels 18 and 7.2. This transition ushers in a new era for ABC programming in the region. Paul Magnes, co-president and general manager of WSVN, expressed enthusiasm for the launch. "Building a station over the last few months has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my career thus far. "Everything is set for ABC Miami," Magnes said.

Viewers may now watch all of their favorite ABC series on these new channels. Magnes elaborated: "Good Morning America, ABC World News with David Muir, all the shows that ABC offers, we are going to continue to provide for the market in our community." This includes prime-time and late-night shows that air at their customary schedules.

How to Find ABC Miami Channels, Providers, and Streaming Options

Finding the new ABC Miami channel may necessitate a fast tweak to your TV setup. Here's a step-by-step guide for the various viewing methods:

Over-the-Air Viewers: Rescan Your TV

If you watch TV using an antenna, you will need to rescan it to find the new ABC Miami stations. This procedure is usually straightforward:

The rescan procedure can take several minutes. If you have problems, visit your TV's user manual or the manufacturer's website for further instructions.

Cable & Satellite Subscribers: Finding ABC Miami

The ABC Miami channel number may differ based on your cable or satellite provider. Here are the typical channels for major South Florida providers:

Most cable or satellite boxes should update automatically. If you still can't find ABC Miami, restart your set-top box or contact your provider's customer service.

Streaming Services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and More.

Live television streaming services typically change their channel lineups automatically. ABC Miami should be available on the following platforms:

If you're having difficulties finding ABC Miami on your streaming service, try signing out and back in, or check the service's support page for recent channel updates in South Florida.

What Does WPLG Local 10's Independence Mean for Viewers?

WPLG Local 10's move to become an independent station has already yielded positive effects. On its first day of independence, WPLG programming apparently surpassed ABC programming in practically every time period according to Nielsen ratings. "The Nielsen numbers are in, and WPLG Local 10's choice to cut ways with ABC was certainly the correct one. "We are committed to serving our community," said Bert Medina.

Local10 Plus App: Your Guide to WPLG Content.

The Local10 Plus app is a must-have for viewers who want to receive WPLG Local 10 content while on the go. This app offers live streaming of WPLG's newscasts, on-demand access to local news segments, and other exclusive local content. It's accessible for download on a variety of smart TV platforms, streaming devices, and mobile phones.

Impact on Local News Coverage.

One significant advantage of WPLG's independence is increased investment in local reporting. Bert Medina announced a "massive expansion of local news and other local programming." WPLG now airs 93 hours of local news per week, including South Florida's only 9 p.m. newscast. "Instead of sending our money to New York, we will keep it in our community and use that money to finance a massive expansion in local news," Medina told CNN.

This dedication to local news entails more in-depth reporting, more coverage of neighborhood activities, and a greater emphasis on problems that directly affect South Florida residents. This could improve competition in the local news market, potentially benefiting viewers by providing higher-quality and more variety news offers.

What's on ABC Miami and Local 10?

Understanding which shows are on which channels is critical for navigating this upheaval.

ABC Miami Programming

ABC Miami will broadcast all of ABC's national programming on channels 18 and 7.2. This includes:

According to Paul Magnes, "we're gonna have great shows, Good Morning America, ABC World News with David Muir, all the shows that ABC offers, we are going to continue to provide for the market in our community."

WPLG Local 10 Programming

WPLG Local 10 will continue to prioritize its enhanced local news coverage and syndicated content. This includes:

The station's focus is now solely on serving the South Florida community with comprehensive local content.

Troubleshooting & FAQs: Returning to Your Favorite Shows.

Common Questions Answered.

Here are the responses to some frequently asked questions about the channel change:

Future of Local Broadcasting in South Florida

The WPLG-ABC split is more than simply a local channel change; it represents important changes in the broadcast industry as a whole. The popularity of streaming services, combined with networks' desire for direct-to-consumer interactions, is putting strain on traditional affiliate structures. This might lead to more network-affiliate fights around the country, potentially changing the way local news and national programming are delivered.

For South Florida, WPLG's independence and increased emphasis on local news could create a more competitive news climate. This focus to local programming is good news for viewers since it implies more resources are being invested in community-specific reporting. "We are excited about the future of Local 10." Simply watch us. Bert Medina vowed, "We are about to serve this community in an even bigger and better way."

The success of WPLG's independent enterprise, as indicated by its first ratings surge, could serve as a model for other local stations pursuing similar approaches. This upheaval exemplifies the changing character of television, as local stations emphasize their worth and networks adjust to new distribution tactics. Viewers in South Florida are at the forefront of this transformation, witnessing firsthand the challenges and benefits of a dynamic television market.