US DMA Markets (motel, college, storage)

[Hudlander]

So a few questions, first being I am in the right forum?
Here is the official map:https://thevab.com/storage/app/media...A_Map_2019.pdf

1) I want to ask, so how do DMA exactly work or function?
-Does this determine which broadcast stations you get (NY or Philly ABC)?

2) Is it all or nothing for a county, meaning all of the county is in one market or the other?
-Can the southern part of York County, PA be in Baltimore with the balance in Harrisburg?
-OR can a county be in two DMAs overlapping (all of York County, PA in Baltimore and Harrisburg?)

3) If you are in one DMA, do you only get that DMA's broadcast stations or can you get another DMA, or two DMAs?
-How is that determined, by location in the county or cable carrier now that few use antennas?

4) Some of these DMA's make little sense, how do the determine them, and can they be modified?

5) Specific DMA's:
a. Why is the Northern Neck of VA with Richmond, VA when Hampton Roads is closer and given the Chesapeake is a huge part of both areas, one would think HR would be more relevant.
b. Why is Allegheny County, MD part of the DC DMA some three hours away and not Johnson or Clarksburg?
c. Why is Garret County, MD and Preston County, WV with Pittsburgh and not Clarksburg?
D. Why is Fulton with DC and not Johnston, PA while Franklin is not with DC?

[pcity]

1) Basically, yes. As a cable subscriber, you get all of your DMA's broadcast stations, as they can invoke must-carry status.

2) Mostly, each county is contained within a DMA. There are a few split counties but it's uncommon. There is no overlap between DMAs. You can only be in one at any given time.

3) You would get all broadcast stations in your DMA, but cable companies sometimes add significantly viewed stations from other DMAs, for example in between DC and Baltimore or Philly and NYC. Non-DMA stations can't invoke must-carry status so there isn't a ton of motivation for cable companies to carry them, and non-DMA stations on cable have become less common in recent years.

4) They're based on historical viewing patterns, and this gives the advantage to markets that had VHF stations since their signals traveled further. They are changed when viewing patterns change.

5) a) unsure. b, c, d) DC and Pittsburgh had all VHF stations so it was more likely people in those counties pointed their antennas towards those cities.

Franklin was a DC DMA county for a long time. Harrisburg was a mostly UHF market so DC was easier to receive with antenna even though Harrisburg news would be more relevant to Franklin.

Johnstown market had no ABC affiliate for a long time, so makes sense that people in counties with a choice would point antennas to DC or Pittsburgh.

Terrain may also play a factor. Fulton to DC has less mountainous terrain than Fulton to the network affiliates in Altoona or State College.

[Hudlander]

Very interesting how other factors (signal strength, terrain) played a role beyond just cultural relevance.

[pnwguy2]

1980’s trip to east coast. Rockville MD motel offered the full boat from both Washington DC and Baltimore. Early 80’s Palm Springs full boat from LA, plus local Palm Springs. Today only KCAL in that market. Of course I am referring to cable. I think as the Palm Springs market grew they objected to the LA stations and won that battle.

[pcity]

Here's a good take on DMA assignments from someone who knows better than I:

https://www.northpine.com/blog/2022/...kets-assigned/