Glendive, Montana Media Landscape Overview

Glendive is the nation’s smallest DMA, centered on community broadcasting and regional news sharing. Local TV, radio, and public services focus on weather, agriculture, and transportation, with audiences blending over‑the‑air reception and streaming.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Regional owners and translators rebroadcast network and PBS content for rural coverage. Public alerting and EAS coordination remain core in severe weather and wildfire seasons.

FCC spectrum and translator rules underpin coverage; state and local agencies partner with public media for emergency and educational programming.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Growing CTV adoption complements OTA viewing. Newsrooms simulcast key updates to social platforms and websites to reach dispersed audiences.

Broadband access continues improving through statewide and federal programs; libraries and schools extend digital literacy and access.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC affiliate (regional): Network news, local weather, and community updates.
• CBS affiliate (regional): Breaking news, sports highlights, and specials.
• NBC affiliate (regional): Morning shows, investigative reporting, and alerts.
• FOX affiliate (regional): Sports, prime‑time entertainment, and local features.
• PBS (Montana PBS): Educational programming, documentaries, and children’s content.
• The CW/MyNetworkTV (subchannels): Syndicated series and local features.
• Ion/MeTV (subchannels): Procedurals and classic TV marathons.
• Telemundo/Univision (OTA/cable): Spanish‑language news and entertainment.
• Weather subchannels: Continuous local and regional weather coverage.
• Local access: Community meetings and public‑service programming.

Major Radio Broadcasting Networks

• NPR member station (regional): News/talk, statewide reporting, and civic coverage.
• All‑news/Information: Headlines, weather, road conditions, and ag reports.
• Country: Contemporary and classic country with local personalities.
• AC/Hot AC: Adult contemporary hits and community updates.
• Classic Rock: Rock catalog programming and promotions.
• Sports: Play‑by‑play and talk from regional networks.
• Religious/Inspirational: Faith programming and services.
• Public safety/NOAA: Weather and emergency bulletins.
• Spanish‑language (regional): News, music, and sports for Hispanic listeners.
• Community college/School radio: Student content and local features.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

Audiences mix OTA antennas with CTV apps; stations stream key segments and alerts. Social updates and newsletters extend reach across rural distances.

Local institutions use Facebook and YouTube for meetings, safety notices, and events, complementing newscasts.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain central for severe weather, agriculture, and local sports. Drive‑time radio retains loyalty across long‑distance commutes.

Weeklies and public media sustain hyperlocal reporting and educational programming.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Local meteorology, public media, and official alerts rank highly during storms and wildfires; community reporting strengthens trust.

Transparency and service journalism bolster engagement across small towns and rural areas.

Audience Preferences

Weather, agriculture, high school sports, and regional features perform well. Short‑form explainers and radio bulletins support daily routines.

Newsletters and streaming replays complement linear schedules for dispersed audiences.

Sources

• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2024/dma-rankings/
• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/the-gauge/
• https://www.montanapbs.org/
• https://www.weather.gov/