
TV ADVERTISING IN CINCINNATI
ADVERTISE ON TV IN CINCINNATI
Cincinnati’s broadcast tier is a four-way fight among national groups: Scripps owns ABC affiliate WCPO from its hometown base, Hearst runs NBC’s WLWT, Sinclair holds CBS affiliate WKRC, and WXIX carries Fox. Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati coverage plus competitive local newscasts keep these stations central to the market. For advertisers, TV still delivers the broadest single-buy reach across the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana tri-state. Empire can help you reach a captive Cincinnati audience through highly popular television channels.
Advertising on tv in Cincinnati results in wide reach, excellent engagement and highly specific targeting, making it a highly effective medium. The stations contained below represent a balanced cross-section of the most successful stations targeting a range of audiences. With sound industry knowledge, we are well placed to help you create a successful tv ad campaign.
READY TO ADVERTISE?
ADVERTISE ON THESE CINCINNATI TV STATIONS
CNN is a paid breaking news channel. Ranked number one for trustworthiness and quality of content.
Fox affiliated free channel licensed to Cincinnati Metropolitan area. News, sports and programs produced by Fox.
Home to the #1 news team in Greater Cincinnati and America’s most-watched primetime network (CBS). Local 12 also serves as the Tri-state’s home for Bengals football, NCAA basketball, Reds Opening Day and much more.
Free over the air channel. WLWT’s subchannel. It broadcasts classic American TV shows such as The Flintstones, Andy Griffith, and M*A*S*H. Additionally, MeTV airs a 10 pm newscast each night.
Home to the mega hit show The Big Bang Theory as well as Morning and Primetime Newcasts
CW Cincinnati provides entertainment programming from the CW network in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.
Local news, weather and sports. Free over the air channel and also available on cable TV.
Atlanta’s MyNetworkTV-affiliated free TV station.
Home od Daytime “Guilty Pleasures”, highly rated prime shows and Trending at 10 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does TV advertising in Cincinnati cost?
TV pricing varies by station, programme, daypart, spot length and whether you run broadcast, cable or connected TV. Premium slots in local news or live sports cost more than daytime or late-night inventory. The Empire never invents rates; we negotiate directly with stations and build a tailored plan and quote that fits your goals and budget across the Cincinnati DMA.
Which Cincinnati TV channels reach which audiences?
WLWT (NBC, Channel 5), WCPO (ABC, Channel 9), WKRC Local 12 (CBS) and WXIX FOX 19 each anchor strong local news that draws broad, loyal viewers, while WCET serves the PBS audience. News blocks and live sports reach engaged adults; entertainment and daytime skew differently. The Empire selects the channels and programmes that best align with your target market.
What are the content and approval rules for TV ads?
Television commercials must meet FTC truth-in-advertising standards and each station’s clearance requirements: substantiated claims, honest demonstrations, clear disclosures and proper rights for music and talent. Some categories require pre-approval and supporting evidence. The Empire prepares compliant creative, assembles substantiation and handles station submission so your ad clears review and airs on schedule.
When is the best time to advertise on Cincinnati TV?
Seasonality strongly shapes TV. Q4 holidays and back-to-school raise demand and pricing, while live local sports such as Bengals and Reds broadcasts and major events deliver concentrated audiences. Political windows can tighten availability and raise rates. The Empire books early around these peaks and builds flexible plans so you secure the right slots at the right value.







