Columbus–Tupelo–West Point–Starkville, Mississippi Media Landscape Overview

This Northeast Mississippi DMA spans manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and logistics. Broadcasters emphasize severe weather, tornado preparedness, transportation, and public services for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Network affiliates and subchannels operate with MPB/PBS and public radio; EAS partners coordinate for tornadoes, flash floods, and extreme heat.

FCC translators extend rural coverage; universities and civic groups collaborate on public‑service and educational programming.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Simulcasts on apps/YouTube and FAST extend reach; push alerts and newsletters support commuters and students.

Broadband projects improve access across towns and counties; libraries and schools bolster media literacy and device lending.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX affiliates: Local news, weather, investigations, and sports.
• MPB/PBS: Educational/cultural programming.
• The CW/MyNetworkTV: Syndicated entertainment and features.
• Spanish‑language (regional): News and variety.
• Ion/MeTV (subs): Procedurals/classic TV.
• Weather subchannels: Continuous forecasts and radar.
• Local access: Public meetings and community programs.

Major Radio Broadcasting Networks

• NPR member stations: News/talk and statewide reporting.
• All‑news/Traffic/Weather: Commute and alerts.
• Country: Local hosts and promotions.
• Top 40/CHR: Contemporary hits.
• Adult Contemporary: Workplace playlists.
• Classic Rock: Catalog programming.
• Sports: Talk and play‑by‑play.
• Faith/Inspirational: Religious programming.
• Spanish‑language (regional): Music and outreach.
• Public safety/NOAA: Weather and emergency bulletins.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

CTV and social video extend reach; push alerts support tornado tracking, road closures, and school schedules.

Agencies and campuses use Facebook/Instagram/YouTube for advisories and events.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain essential for severe weather and local sports; drive‑time radio retains commuters.

Public media and weeklies sustain hyperlocal reporting across towns and rural communities.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Meteorology, investigative units, and public media explainers rate highly; clear, accessible updates broaden reach.

Transparency and community engagement strengthen trust during tornado season and elections.

Audience Preferences

Weather, high school/college sports, public services, and lifestyle perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

• https://www.mpbonline.org/
• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2025/the-gauge-may-2025/
• https://www.fcc.gov/media/television/broadcast-ownership