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One Chattanooga local TV news power is part of a massive group, the other is proud to be independent
LOCAL TV'S LEAD STORY this past year has been consolidationthe big guys getting bigger and the small guys either getting out of
the business or fighting extra hard to stay in the race. Chattanooga, Tfenn., offers a stark example of both sides of the equation. WTVC was acquired by Sinclair Broadcast Group in its Freedom Broadcasting acquisition in 2012, and the station has benefited from Sinclair's breadth and wealth: A new set, HD production and the undoing of a hiring freeze.
WRCB, meanwhile, is part of tiny Sarkes Tarzian, whose other TV station is KTVN Reno (Nev.). Tom Tolar, WRCB president and general manager, cops to "some concern" about other broadcasters getting larger but says the NBC affiliate remains in a favorable spot. "The fact that we have had a very strong position gives us a good relationship with syndicators and the network,"...