eMM Media Monitoring Solutions in Rochester, New York

Rochester’s DMA blends legacy broadcasters, strong public media, and active community radio. Weather, education, and healthcare drive coverage, while regional tech and higher‑ed institutions expand digital news, newsletters, and podcasts across Monroe and surrounding counties.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Affiliates for ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and The CW operate alongside WXXI Public Media. FCC ownership and spectrum rules apply, while state and local partners prioritize emergency alerts, winter weather readiness, and public‑interest messaging.

Newsrooms repurpose linear newscasts for CTV/FAST and social video. Consolidation streamlines operations, with public media complementing commercial outlets through statewide coverage and educational programming.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Households increasingly use connected TVs and mobile alerts for school closings and storm updates. Publishers distribute via OTT apps, YouTube, and podcasts; newsletters and push alerts help build daily habits.

Urban broadband is strong; rural gaps persist. Ongoing fiber and fixed‑wireless projects continue to raise streaming quality and remote work viability across the region.

Leading Television Channels

WROC‑TV (News 8 CBS): Local news, investigations, and sports.
WHEC‑TV (News10 NBC): Weather, I‑Team reporting, and community coverage.
WHAM‑TV (13 ABC): Breaking news, enterprise stories, and features.
WUHF (FOX Rochester): Primetime, sports, and local updates.
WXXI‑TV: PBS member station with statewide news and educational content.
Spectrum News 1 Rochester: 24/7 cable news with hyperlocal reporting.

Major Radio Broadcasting Networks

WXXI News 105.9/1370: Public radio news and talk.
WHAM 1180: News/talk with regional coverage.
WDKX 103.9: Urban contemporary and community programming.
WBEE 92.5: Country hits and local events.
WCMF 96.5: Classic rock staple.
WRMM 101.3: Adult contemporary for at‑work listening.
WGMC Jazz 90.1: Jazz and specialty shows.
WITR 89.7: College station with indie and local music.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

Streaming and social video (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) capture growing attention. Podcasts and smart‑TV apps extend reach beyond linear schedules; alerts and newsletters sustain engagement during weather and breaking news cycles.

Advertisers blend DMA targeting with first‑party data on CTV/OTT and short‑form video for measurable outcomes.

Traditional Habits

Live TV remains central for storms, elections, and high school/college sports. Commute‑friendly radio and public radio updates maintain strong time‑spent‑listening among working adults.

Education, healthcare, and public safety topics drive consistent local interest across TV, radio, and digital.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Key DMA metrics for Rochester, New York
Indicator	Latest Figure	Source
DMA market rank	Mid‑sized U.S. market	Nielsen DMA Rankings
Streaming share of TV usage	~46% (U.S. reference, 2024)	Nielsen The Gauge
Broadband access	High in urban core; rural gaps narrowing	FCC/National Broadband Map

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Local stations and public media sustain higher trust than national outlets. Transparency, severe‑weather service, and explainers help reinforce credibility.

Community engagement—listener call‑ins, town halls, and newsroom Q&As—supports trust across diverse audiences.

Audience Preferences

Audiences blend live news/sports with on‑demand streaming, podcasts, and short‑form video. Weather, schools, and healthcare updates are consistent drivers.

Accessibility features (captions, transcripts) broaden reach across platforms.

Sources

eMM Technology Graph

Rochester, New York Media Landscape Overview