Here is the answer I received from my ABC/WB Network
From: Hart, Marshall [mhart@abc24.com] Sent: Tue 11/23/2004 12:14 PM
To: Al Smith
Cc: STOVALL, CRIS
Subject: RE: WB
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Every local affiliate station has an agreement with whatever network they are members of that states that the local affiliate has exclusive rights to distribute the network's signal in that particular area. Multiple distribution methods diminishes the value of the programming to the local affiliate, so that's why the local affiliate has exclusive rights for program distribution. It's not a question of freedom of choice, because the programs are owned by the network, so it is their decision as to determining the means of distribution.