Covert consolidation is even more pervasive than we realized. When Free Press launched ChangetheChannels.org last month, the site’s interactive map featured 80 markets where two or more stations entered into resource-sharing agreements and, in essence, merged their news operations. These agreements may not technically qualify as mergers under FCC rules because broadcasters claim they are not transferring control of the license, but the effect is the same:  increased profits for station owners at the expense of competition and independent, local journalism.