On local TV stations across the United States, news anchors have been delivering the exact same message to their viewers. “Our greatest responsibility,” they begin by saying, “is to serve our communities.” But what they are being forced to say next has left many questioning whom those stations are really being asked to serve. Guests: Sydney Ember, a New York Times business reporter who covers print and digital media; Aaron Weiss, who worked several years ago as a news director for Sinclair in Sioux City, Iowa. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.