Global Broadcasting

Global Broadcasting LLC.

File:Global Broadcasting.png
Company type	Private, LLC Delaware corporation
Industry	Broadcast Television Television Production
Founded	2007
Defunct	2011
Fate	receivership, property acquired by Citadel Communications
Headquarters	San Francisco, California Providence, Rhode Island
Area served	Rhode Island Massachusetts
Key people	Kevin O'Brien, President & CEO Robinson Ewert, Vice President (2007-2009) Rob Holtzer, Vice President & Director of Sales Matthew McGowan, Receiver
Products	Broadcast television

Global Broadcasting LLC. operated as a privately held broadcasting firm within the United States. Headquartered in both San Francisco and Providence, it was established in 2007 by Kevin O'Brien and Robinson Ewert. The company owned WLNE-TV—the ABC affiliate located in Providence—from 2007 until 2011. This station represented its only broadcast property, purchased from Freedom Communications, which had maintained ownership since 1983. Although Global Broadcasting sought to grow its portfolio nationwide, it was unable to secure additional stations.

History

Following the acquisition of WLNE, Global Broadcasting embarked on a comprehensive revitalization of the station’s struggling news division. This included redesigning the logo, constructing a new studio set, and hiring fresh on-air talent and management from across the country. Steve Doerr, previously with NBC News, was appointed as vice president and general manager. Former Providence mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci joined the team as Chief Political Analyst. Allison Alexander was recruited from WOIO in Cleveland to serve as lead anchor. Additionally, anchor/reporter Paul Mueller and meteorologist Steve Cascione returned to the station.

WLNE significantly expanded its news broadcast hours. In January 2008, the station debuted ABC6 News First At Four, becoming the market’s pioneer in offering a 4 p.m. newscast that originally featured a distinctive three-anchor format. Subsequent staffing adjustments led to morning meteorologist Fred Campagna being elevated to Chief Meteorologist while Cascione assumed morning weather duties on Good Morning Providence, which was extended to two hours along with an extra hour on NewsChannel 5 (previously Rhode Island News Channel), accessible via Cox Cable. Morning anchor John DeLuca transitioned to co-anchor the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts alongside Alexander. The station also introduced refreshed on-screen graphics displaying time and temperature alongside a news ticker. In April 2008, WLNE rolled out updated visuals and a new music theme produced by 615 Music, with Bill Ratner providing voiceover narration.

Ratings improved steadily as WLNE branded itself as "New England's Fastest Growing News," focusing on both hard news coverage and feature stories. Nonetheless, some observers criticized an increase in sensational content, which contributed to Chief Reporter Jim Hummel’s departure after more than ten years with the station in July 2008. In 2009, WLNE further broadened its lineup by adding a Sunday 10 a.m. newscast and a weeknight 7 p.m. broadcast. The station also occasionally aired a 10 p.m. newscast on NewsChannel 5 when WNAC-TV preempted its regular programming for sports or special events. At its height, WLNE delivered approximately 37 hours of news each week across ABC6 and NewsChannel 5.

Conflict with CBS Television Distribution

For many years, WLNE aired syndicated programs such as Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray, Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, and Inside Edition, all distributed by CBS Television Distribution. However, in mid-2009, negotiations with the syndicator—then operating under the name King World—failed to produce a renewed carriage agreement. As a result, on June 5, WLNE lost the rights to Dr. Phil, Entertainment Tonight, and Inside Edition, which swiftly transitioned to WNAC-TV. To fill the void, WLNE temporarily replaced these shows with Cristina's Court, Family Court with Judge Penny, and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

Subsequently, on June 16, CBS initiated a $5 million lawsuit against Global Broadcasting, alleging unpaid licensing fees and breach of contract concerning the disputed programs. During this period of contention, co-owner Robinson Ewert departed from Global Broadcasting and was succeeded by Rob Holtzer, who brought expertise from his previous roles as general sales manager at Sunrise Sports and Entertainment and the YES Network, adding valuable strategic leadership drawn from prominent sports and media enterprises.

Receivership

On July 29, 2010, Global Broadcasting sought receivership protection in Rhode Island following a downturn in advertising revenue. Providence-based attorney Matthew McGowan was appointed as receiver to oversee the company's affairs. Approximately one month later, the station was again placed on the market, attracting multiple prospective buyers with an anticipated transaction by the end of the year. In December 2010, speculation arose that A.H. Belo Corp. might acquire WLNE and integrate it with The Providence Journal. Despite this, Belo Corporation—recognized for its robust regional news operations—was regarded as a more probable purchaser.

Sale of WLNE and Closure

On February 10, 2011, Citadel Communications, headquartered in Bronxville, New York, submitted a stalking horse bid amounting to $4 million to acquire WLNE. Interest was also expressed by five other groups, including one led by former Providence mayor Joseph Paolino. On March 17, ABC issued a cautionary statement indicating that WLNE’s network affiliation beyond March 31 was uncertain; this development threatened to diminish the station’s market value and risked deterring potential bidders. Nevertheless, Citadel Communications received approval as the new owner on March 22 and commenced operation of WLNE under a local marketing agreement starting May 1 while awaiting FCC approval.

CEO Kevin O'Brien challenged the sale unsuccessfully, asserting that the receiver had not secured the highest possible sale price. The FCC completed the license transfer on June 1, finalizing Citadel’s acquisition.

It is important to note that Global Broadcasting had no connection to either the Canadian Global Television Network or Canwest Global Communications.