Birmingham, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Tommy Spina’s television program, ‘Our Issues: Birmingham,’ has been canceled after 13 years, prompting discussions about corporate influence on local media. Despite claims from Sinclair Broadcasting about scheduling changes, Spina suspects political motivations behind the decision. The program engaged the community with significant guests, including veterans and politicians, and addressed local issues. With the cancellation, Spina plans to launch a new podcast titled ‘The Real Truth,’ reflecting his ongoing commitment to community engagement in media.
Birmingham — Tommy Spina’s long-running television program, ‘Our Issues: Birmingham,’ has been canceled after 13 years on air. The decision was made by Sinclair Broadcasting, the corporate owner of local CW, ABC 33/40, and MY68 stations in Birmingham, as part of a broader move to expand local news coverage and adjust the programming schedule. Despite the official reason for the cancellation, Spina has raised concerns over potential political motivations behind the decision.
Spina, who engaged with newsmakers, politicians, and community figures on his show, described the cancellation as a significant shift in local media context. His last episode aired recently, featuring former U.S. Senator Doug Jones as a guest, and it is available for viewing on YouTube. He reflected on his experience and conveyed his sentiments in his closing remarks by echoing Edward R. Murrow’s iconic sign-off: “Good night, and good luck.”
Throughout its run, ‘Our Issues: Birmingham’ showcased a variety of guests that included World War II veterans and local politicians, fostering community engagement regarding current events. Especially during the pandemic, the show adapted to remote interviews using Zoom, maintaining its commitment to connect with the audience.
Reflecting on the changing media landscape, Spina expressed alarm about the increasing influence of corporate media on local broadcast content, raising important issues regarding the First Amendment and its implications for free speech and press. He specifically criticized Sinclair Broadcasting’s policy that requires local affiliates to air “must runs,” arguing that such mandates centralize messaging and threaten the integrity of local journalism.
In scholarly commentary, Professor Bala Baptiste highlighted the trend of diminishing local news ownership, noting that major decisions affecting content have shifted to corporately driven motivations. This reflects a broader national trend whereby various television programs have faced cancellation for potentially not aligning with the interests of political figures, especially within late-night programming. Alongside Spina’s show, similar versions of ‘Our Issues’ on Sinclair stations across the country have also been discontinued.
Following the cancellation, Spina plans to launch a new podcast titled “The Real Truth.” He also contributed a guest editorial discussing his concerns regarding Sinclair’s possible motives behind the show’s end. His multifaceted career extends beyond broadcasting, including significant involvement in criminal defense law and various leadership roles on boards such as the Birmingham Airport Authority, highlighting his influence in both media and legal fields.
As local media continues to grapple with corporate influences, the recent cancellation raises questions about the future of community-focused programming and the spirit of open and diverse dialogue in media.
FAQ
What led to the cancellation of ‘Our Issues: Birmingham’?
Spina’s program was recently canceled by Sinclair Broadcasting as part of an expansion of local news coverage and changes to the programming schedule. However, Spina has voiced concerns that his show’s cancellation was politically motivated.
How long did ‘Our Issues: Birmingham’ run?
Tommy Spina hosted ‘Our Issues: Birmingham’ for 13 years.
What kind of guests were featured on the program?
The program featured a diverse range of guests, including World War II veterans and local politicians, facilitating community engagement around current events.
What is Tommy Spina planning after the cancellation?
Following the cancellation, Tommy Spina intends to launch a new podcast titled “The Real Truth.”
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Domestic Violence Incident Claims Life in Birmingham
TicketMaster Users Face Error 401 Not Allowed When Purchasing Tickets
Elon Musk Calls for Netflix Boycott Over LGBTQ+ Content
Turning Point USA Event Honors Charlie Kirk Amid Political Turbulence
Elon Musk and Conservatives Call for Netflix Boycott Over Controversial Animated Series
Charlie Kirk’s Assassination Triggers National Debate on Free Speech
Windows Users Facing TicketMaster Access Issues
Birmingham Welcomes New Legal Associate Kamryn Carpenter at Starnes Davis Florie LLP
Scholars Explore Parallels Between Current Politics and 1850s
Educators Challenge Terminations Over Social Media Posts
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Its a wrap, TV station cancels longtime Birmingham talk show
- Wikipedia: Talk show
- WVTM13: Birmingham mayor announces new appointment to the Birmingham Airport Authority
- Google Search: Birmingham Airport Authority
- WBRC: Why former Alabama basketball star Darius Miles is charged with capital murder
- Google Scholar: Capital murder Birmingham
- ABC3340: Suspects in jail following kidnapping of Birmingham businessman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kidnapping
- AL.com: Former Alabama standout and NFL player arrested for domestic violence
- Google News: Domestic violence Birmingham
- WBRC: Man pleads guilty to reckless manslaughter in DUI crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reckless murder
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
