In the Vicinity

In Episode 23 of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon sits down with former E.W. Scripps executive and Media Inno Managing Partner Tom Sly to examine Scripps' efforts to rethink local news around a streaming-first, consumer-centric model and why he believes the industry can no longer afford to operate the way it has.

In Episode 22 of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon is joined by Aaron Brown, Chief Innovation Officer at Madhive, for a deep dive into how AI is transforming local advertising. Brown explains why local media generates thousands of subtle signals that traditional technology has struggled to connect, and how Madhive's AI-powered Maverick platform is uncovering patterns that help advertisers reach the right audiences with greater precision.

The FCC has voted to eliminate the decades-old national TV broadcast ownership cap, opening the door to a new wave of consolidation across local television. But will bigger station groups actually strengthen local journalism—or simply centralize it?

In Episode 21 of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon sits down with TVND founder and former news executive Kirk Varner to unpack one of the most consequential moments in modern broadcasting. Together, they explore what the FCC's decision could mean for newsroom investment, local ownership, editorial independence, and the future of trusted local news.

The FCC is preparing to reshape one of the biggest rules governing local television ownership. But will allowing broadcasters to own more stations actually solve the industry's biggest challenges—or simply buy more time?

In episode 20 of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon and Madhive CEO Jim Wilson examine what the proposed FCC ownership changes could mean for local broadcasters, why scale alone isn't enough, and why the real opportunity lies in transforming from broadcast companies into true local media companies.

Subscribe for new episodes of In the Vicinity, presented by TVREV and sponsored by Madhive.

Commercial broadcasters spend a lot of time talking about the future of local media. But what if one of the best blueprints is already hiding in plain sight?

On Episode 19 of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon sits down with Christy Tanner, President and CEO of New York Public Radio, to discuss why the industry's future isn't about protecting legacy platforms — it's about building stronger connections with audiences across every platform.

Drawing on decades of experience spanning the Associated Press, CBS News, TV Guide, and now public media, Tanner explains how New York Public Radio has evolved into a multi-platform media organization built around radio, podcasts, newsletters, live events, streaming, video, and membership. She also shares why collaboration — not competition — will define the next era of local media.

The rules of local television are changing fast—and not necessarily for the better.

On this solo episode of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon breaks down two of the biggest stories reshaping the future of local media. First, he examines the FCC's proposed elimination of the 39% broadcast ownership cap and asks whether more consolidation will truly strengthen local journalism—or simply accelerate the industry's long-term decline. Then he turns to the collapse of regional sports networks and explains why local broadcasters suddenly have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine their role in sports media.

Will broadcasters use this moment to prove their value? Or will the leagues ultimately build a streaming-first future that leaves local TV behind?

The World Cup is the biggest event in sports—but for local advertisers, getting into the game is anything but straightforward.

On this episode of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon welcomes back Madhive VP of Inventory Partnerships & Operations Anthony Campanella to unpack the complex local media dynamics behind the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They explain why premium live sports inventory is becoming harder to access, how streaming is reshaping local advertising opportunities, and what happens if future World Cups move from broadcasters to platforms like Netflix.

For years, addressable advertising has been one of broadcast television's biggest "what ifs." The technology existed, but the economics, infrastructure and industry relationships never quite aligned.

That may finally be changing.

On this episode of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon sits down with Hearst Television's VP of Distribution John Robertson and Viamedia President & Chief Strategy Officer Evan Rutchik to discuss a partnership that could reshape local broadcast advertising. Together, they explain how broadcasters can now deliver household-level targeted advertising within MVPD streaming environments, why this creates new revenue opportunities without disrupting existing business models, and what it will take to scale addressable broadcast across the industry.

Fox's proposed acquisition of Roku. Walmart's purchase of Vibe. The TV operating system is quickly becoming the next battleground for local media—and broadcasters can't afford to ignore it.

This week, Tim Hanlon is joined by TVREV's Mike Gasbara to unpack why the biggest stories in television are no longer just about streaming. They explore how TV operating systems are evolving into commerce platforms, why authenticated audiences may become local media's biggest competitive advantage, what the rise of retail media means for broadcasters, and whether local stations can leverage their trusted community relationships before Big Tech captures the opportunity.

If the future of local media is about connecting content, commerce and measurement, this conversation explains why the home screen may be the most valuable real estate in television.

For decades, local media owned local advertising. Today, location data and digital targeting are changing the rules.

On Episode 14 of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon welcomes Luke Stillman, Managing Director at Madison & Wall, to discuss why location data has become a scale advantage, how Google, Meta, Amazon, and streaming platforms are siphoning dollars away from traditional local media, and why broadcasters face increasing pressure to rethink their role.

They explore why scaling through consolidation may not be enough, how regulation is inadvertently strengthening walled gardens, and what local television and radio companies can do to remain relevant in an era where advertisers care less about DMAs and more about business outcomes.

Can local media compete with the tech giants—or must it learn to complement them?