 Despite its severe financial <unk> , by 1953 , DuMont appeared to be on its way to establishing itself as the third national network . DuMont programs aired live on 16 stations , but it could count on only seven primary stations – its three owned @-@ and @-@ operated stations ( " O & Os " ) , plus <unk> @-@ TV in Chicago , <unk> ( channel 11 ) in Los Angeles , <unk> @-@ TV ( channel 2 , now <unk> @-@ TV ) in Denver and <unk> @-@ TV ( channel 6 , now <unk> ) in Columbus , Ohio . In contrast , ABC had a full complement of five O & Os , augmented by nine primary affiliates . ABC also had a radio network ( it was descended from NBC 's Blue Network ) from which to draw talent , affiliate loyalty and a profit stream to subsidize television operations . However , ABC had only 14 primary stations , while CBS and NBC had over 40 each . By 1951 , ABC was badly <unk> and on the verge of bankruptcy . That year , the company announced a merger with United Paramount Theaters ( the former theater division of Paramount Pictures , which was spun off as a result of the United States v. Paramount Pictures , Inc. <unk> decision ) , but it was not until 1953 that the FCC approved the merger . 
