Chico–Redding, California Media Landscape Overview

This Northern California DMA spans forestry, energy, agriculture, and higher education. Broadcasters emphasize wildfire smoke, drought, winter storms, transportation, and public services for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Network affiliates and subchannels operate with PBS North Coast/CapRadio partners; EAS partners coordinate for wildfires, PSPS outages, floods, and heat advisories.

FCC translators serve mountainous terrain; campuses and civic groups collaborate on public‑service and educational programming.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Simulcasts on apps/YouTube and FAST extend reach; push alerts and SMS support evacuations and closures.

Broadband projects expand access in rural areas; libraries and schools bolster media literacy and device lending.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX affiliates: Local news, weather, investigations, and sports.
• PBS (regional): 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 air‑quality, outages, and road advisories.

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

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain essential for wildfire and winter coverage; drive‑time radio sustains commuters.

Public media and weeklies provide hyperlocal reporting across towns.

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 wildfires and storms.

Audience Preferences

Weather, outdoor recreation, public safety, and community services perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

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