Ion Media Networks

Ion Media Networks, Inc. (formerly known as Paxson Communications Corporation) is an American broadcasting company that owns and operates over 60 television stations in most major American markets, as well as a digital sub-channel through that group & a major commercial television network. It is now a privately owned company.

History

As Paxson Communications Corporation

The company was founded in 1988 by Lowell W. "Bud" Paxson in Florida. The company purchased radio stations and a couple television stations, eventually becoming Florida's largest radio group. The radio stations ranged from rock to contemporary hit radio to adult contemporary to news and talk. The television stations were network affiliates of ABC and NBC. In 1993 the company began to purchase stations on the outer fringes of large television markets.