The pending changes in ownership at two Lafayette television stations will likely change the landscape for broadcast journalism across Acadiana and could even result in the two merging news staffs.

Gray Media, a major player in the broadcast journalism industry that has stations in every Louisiana market except Lafayette, has deals in place to acquire KATC from E.W. Scripps Co. and KADN/KLAF from Allen Media Broadcasting in what would become a full-power duopoly for the Atlanta-based broadcasting company.

Both deals are pending approval by the Federal Communications Commission, which could come by the end of the year. But until then those involved are wondering what will happen once each deal gets an expected approval.

Station officials are not speculating and a Gray spokesman said

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