Affiliates need their heads examined for putting up with this.
Affiliates will pressure the network mightily once it starts hurting them finaniaclly. The only way to do that is to call LOCAL advertisers and say that you aren’t patronizing them while they support the affiliate that runs that networks news. National advertisers aren’t reachable. The localadvertisers are. Pick up the phone and talk to the mom and pop local advertisers.
Talking to the local news director won’t do you any good. In broadcasting, it’s not a problem until it’s a problem for sales. Make it a problem for sales.