NBC Sheds WNBC, WWSI, WSNS For $481.6M

Comcast Corp. has confirmed its results from both the Reverse Auction and Forward Auction, and it is pocketed nearly a half-billion dollars.

At the same time, it is relinquishing spectrum in three of its duopoly markets, and in Gotham there’s a bit of surprise.

In the Reverse Incentive Auction, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations relinquished spectrum in three of its duopoly markets – New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

As a result, storied NBC flagship WNBC-4 is heading into the history books.

The same can be said for NBCUniversal’s Telemundo O&Os in the Windy City – WSNS-44 and in the Cradle of Liberty — WWSI-62

The total proceeds for giving up the three stations? A cool $481.6 million.

Once the three relinquishing stations vacate their spectrum, WNBC will channel-share with Telemundo O&O WNJU-47.

WWSI will channel-share with WCAU-10 in Philadelphia,

In Chicago, WSNS will channel-share with WMAQ-5.

In the Forward auction, Comcast — as “CC Wireless Investment” — invested $1.7 billion to acquire spectrum in the markets such as New York, where it spent $135 million; Los Angeles, where it spent $100 million, and Chicago, where it spent $49.5 million.

Comcast declined to offer further comment on the Forward auction results until the FCC’s anti-collusion quiet period ends.