Locally-owned TV station licensed to air network programming
AFFILIATE
An AFFILIATE is a locally-owned TV station that forms a partnership with a larger network to broadcast its programming. These stations operate independently but air programs provided by the network, making “AFFILIATE” an accurate match for the clue. The term captures the licensing and collaboration described.
Across
The word "TACIT" means unspoken or implied without being explicitly stated, perfectly matching the clue "Unstated, yet understood." It captures the idea of something being known or understood through suggestion or context rather than direct communication, making it the correct solution.
6Chimp or bonoboAPE???✨ See Why
The clue "Chimp or bonobo" refers to primates closely related to humans. Both chimpanzees and bonobos belong to the ape family, which includes great apes like gorillas, orangutans, and humans. Hence, the correct answer is APE, as it encompasses both species.
9How the card game FreeCell is usually playedALONE?????✨ See Why
The answer is ALONE because FreeCell is typically played as a solitaire game, meaning a single player manages the cards and strategies independently without additional players. The clue directly refers to the solo nature of the gameplay.
10It's cool for a hot secondFAD???✨ See Why
The clue "It's cool for a hot second" includes wordplay, hinting at something trendy but fleeting. A FAD refers to a short-lived enthusiasm or trend that is popular ("cool") for only a brief period ("hot second"), making it the perfect solution for this clue.
11Investigative journalist FarrowRONAN?????✨ See Why
The answer is RONAN because Ronan Farrow is a prominent investigative journalist known for his groundbreaking reporting, including exposing allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood. This reporting, particularly on Harvey Weinstein, earned him a Pulitzer Prize and widespread recognition. The clue directly refers to his widely-known role in investigative journalism.
12___ Newton (cookie ... or is it fruit and cake?)FIG???✨ See Why
The answer "FIG" refers to Fig Newtons, a well-known cookie brand filled with fig paste. The clue’s pun ("... or is it fruit and cake?") plays on the fact that they are made with figs (a fruit) and have a cake-like outer layer.
13Rolled-up grassSOD???✨ See Why
The answer "SOD" refers to sections of grass, complete with roots and soil, that are typically rolled up for easy transport and installation, such as for landscaping or lawn repair. The clue directly describes this literal process, making "SOD" the fitting solution.
14Parenthetical commentASIDE?????✨ See Why
The answer "ASIDE" fits "Parenthetical comment" because an aside is a comment made quietly or indirectly, often to oneself or the audience in theater. Similarly, parentheses enclose extra, often secondary, information in writing—essentially an “aside” to the main content.
16FUTBOL??????✨ See Why
The clue specifies "in Spanish," indicating the answer must be in Spanish. The World Cup primarily features soccer (or football), and in Spanish, soccer is called "fútbol."
18CALCIO??????✨ See Why
The clue specifies "in Italian," indicating the answer is in Italian. The World Cup is most commonly associated with soccer (football), which is called "calcio" in Italian. Hence, "World Cup sport, in Italian" translates to "calcio," the Italian term for soccer.
20Nursery rhyme with the line "Put it in the oven for baby and me"PATTYCAKE?????????✨ See Why
The solution is PATTYCAKE, as it references the popular nursery rhyme “Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man." The lyric “Put it in the oven for baby and me” comes from this rhyme, where a baker makes a pastry, tying directly to the clue.
23Swelled headsEGOS????✨ See Why
The clue "Swelled heads" hints at inflated self-importance or arrogance, which is commonly associated with "egos" in a figurative sense. A "swelled head" metaphorically describes someone with an exaggerated sense of their own value or abilities, making EGOS the perfect match.
24French "to be"ETRE????✨ See Why
The clue includes "French," indicating the answer is in French. "To be" translates to "être" in French, which means "to exist" or "to be." In crossword puzzles, accents are often omitted, so “être” becomes ETRE. Thus, ETRE is the correct answer.
25As ___ usualPER???✨ See Why
The phrase "As ___ usual" suggests a phrase like "as per usual," which means "as typically happens" or "as is customary." "Per" is used here to imply "according to" or "in keeping with," making it the correct answer for the blank.
26100% genuineREAL????✨ See Why
The clue "100% genuine" directly suggests something authentic, without any falsification or imitation. The word "REAL" perfectly fits this definition, as it means true, authentic, or not artificial, aligning seamlessly with the idea of being "100% genuine."
Down
1Covers, as a roadTARS????✨ See Why
The answer "TARS" fits because to "tar" a road means to cover it with a layer of tar, a sticky material used in paving. This aligns directly with the clue's phrasing "Covers, as a road," indicating the road is being paved or resurfaced.
2Standoffish and chillyALOOF?????✨ See Why
The clue "Standoffish and chilly" describes someone distant, detached, or unsocial, which matches the meaning of "ALOOF." Both "standoffish" and "chilly" convey emotional coldness or detachment, aligning with the definition of "aloof," which means being reserved or remote in manner.
3Leader with a batonCONDUCTOR?????????✨ See Why
The answer "CONDUCTOR" fits because a conductor is a leader of an orchestra or musical ensemble, directing musicians with a baton. The baton symbolizes their role in guiding timing, dynamics, and coordination, perfectly matching the clue's description of a "leader with a baton."
4Catch lightning ___ bottleINA???✨ See Why
The phrase "Catch lightning ___ bottle" is a widely recognized idiom, completed as "Catch lightning in a bottle." INA represents "in a," which fits the blank perfectly, reflecting the idiomatic expression of achieving something nearly impossible or extraordinary.
5ViablyTENABLY???????✨ See Why
The clue "Viably" suggests something that is feasible or defensible. "Tenably" fits as it means "capable of being maintained or defended" – akin to being viable or justifiable in a practical sense. Both terms align as synonyms for feasibility in context.
6Locally-owned TV station licensed to air network programmingAFFILIATE?????????✨ See Why
An AFFILIATE is a locally-owned TV station that forms a partnership with a larger network to broadcast its programming. These stations operate independently but air programs provided by the network, making “AFFILIATE” an accurate match for the clue. The term captures the licensing and collaboration described.
7Ponied upPAID????✨ See Why
The clue "Ponied up" refers to the phrase meaning "paid" or "settled a bill." To "pony up" is a colloquial expression that means to hand over money or fulfill an obligation, making PAID the fitting answer.
8Small advantageEDGE????✨ See Why
The word "EDGE" fits as it represents a slight advantage or upper hand, such as being "on the edge" of outperforming someone. It's often used figuratively to describe a small but impactful lead in competition or comparison, aligning perfectly with the clue "Small advantage."
15SOCCER??????✨ See Why
The clue "World Cup sport, in American English" directly points to SOCCER because, while the sport is globally known as "football," Americans refer to it as "soccer." The FIFA World Cup is the international tournament for this sport. The phrase "in American English" clarifies the distinction.
17Pics on a pec, sayTATS????✨ See Why
The clue "Pics on a pec, say?" uses wordplay with "pics" to hint at "pictures." A "pec" refers to the pectoral muscle, and "TATS" is short for tattoos, which are often pictures or designs inked onto skin, commonly including the chest area like a pec.
19Vegetable in gumboOKRA????✨ See Why
OKRA is the solution because it is a key ingredient in gumbo, a classic dish from Louisiana. Known for its unique texture, okra helps thicken the dish and is commonly used in traditional recipes, making it a quintessential vegetable for this Southern stew.
20Lively energyPEP???✨ See Why
The answer "PEP" fits the clue "Lively energy" because "pep" is synonymous with vigor, liveliness, or spirited energy. It’s often used to describe enthusiasm or a bouncy, energetic demeanor, which matches the straightforward clue perfectly. The simplicity aligns with the standard meaning.
21900 years, for Yoda in "Return of the Jedi"AGE???✨ See Why
In "Return of the Jedi," Yoda mentions being 900 years old, referring to his lifespan. The word "AGE" represents the duration of time someone has lived, making it a fitting answer to the clue "900 years" for Yoda.
22Fish that becomes a piece of fishing equipment when an "R" is added to the frontEEL???✨ See Why
The answer is EEL because it’s a fish. Adding an "R" to the front forms "REEL," a piece of fishing equipment used to wind and manage fishing lines. The clue uses wordplay, making this a clever pun-based solution.
Solving today’s NYT Midi Puzzle and stuck on the 9-letter answer to the Locally-owned TV station licensed to air network programming clue? Don’t worry—Lady Puzzle Pro has you covered! Whether you want the answer right away, revealed letter by letter, or if this wordplay seems too puzzling, keep reading for the explanation.
Locally-owned TV station licensed to air network programming Answer Explained
The answer is AFFILIATE.
In broadcast media, an affiliate is a local television or radio station that partners with a larger national network (such as NBC, ABC, or CBS) to air its content. While the network produces major programming like primetime shows, national news, and sports, the affiliate remains independently owned and operated. This means it can insert local news broadcasts, weather updates, and region-specific advertising into its schedule. For viewers, affiliates are the reason the same network channel feels local in different cities. The term highlights an important structure in media distribution, balancing centralized content with local identity.
Now that you've cracked the 6D Locally-owned TV station licensed to air network programming clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s Midi Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry, we've got you covered. Explore more NYT The Midi crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the NYT Crossword, NYT The Mini puzzle, Connections, or Strands.
Today’s NYT Midi Highlights
Ian Livengood’s Thursday Midi, “Let the Games Begin,” taps neatly into the global buzz of the FIFA World Cup with a multilingual twist. The three themers—FUTBOL, CALCIO, and SOCCER—all point to the same sport, but through Spanish, Italian, and American English lenses. It’s a simple but effective idea that mirrors how universal the game is, transcending language while still reflecting cultural flavor. What makes the puzzle feel lively is how cleanly the theme entries sit alongside a varied fill. Clues like RONAN (for Ronan Farrow) and ETRE add a bit of cosmopolitan flair, reinforcing the international vibe. Meanwhile, playful entries like PATTYCAKE and the clever wordplay in EEL → “REEL” keep things light.
The Midi is a daily crossword puzzle designed to sit between the quick satisfaction of The Mini and the depth of the full Daily Crossword. It offers a compact but more layered solving experience, giving players a new step in the New York Times Games lineup.
While officially launched as a daily puzzle in February 2026, the concept was tested earlier through special puzzle packs and more recently in newsletter editions. Those experiments helped shape what is now a permanent daily feature available exclusively online through the New York Times Games app and website.
Format and Structure
Most Midi puzzles use a 9×9 grid (larger than The Mini but smaller than the traditional crossword), allowing for richer wordplay and themed construction without requiring a long solving session. Toward the end of the week, grids may expand up to 11×11, and occasionally the puzzle appears in non-square formats, with different numbers of rows and columns.
Unlike The Mini, every Midi includes a title, offering a subtle hint at the puzzle’s theme or solving trick. These titles add an extra layer of discovery while keeping the experience approachable.
A Digital-First Puzzle
The Midi is built specifically for digital play. It does not appear in print, and it is available through the New York Times app and website only for subscribers.
Designing the puzzle for screens allows for occasional visual effects and interactive moments that enhance the solving experience in ways print cannot. Even with these innovations, the philosophy remains consistent: puzzles are still handcrafted by human constructors and editors, preserving the editorial voice and thoughtful construction that define New York Times Games.
Editorial Approach
The Midi is edited by Ian Livengood, who also oversees Pips. He creates about three Midi puzzles each week while collaborating with a rotating group of approximately fifteen contributors whose submissions are carefully edited before publication.
This editorial model mirrors the structure used across The New York Times crosswords, where dedicated editors maintain quality and style (like Will Shortz for The Daily and Joel Fagliano for The Mini).
New Rules and Creative Flexibility
The Midi introduces several notable changes to traditional crossword conventions, like:
Each puzzle features a title. Before, only Sunday NYT puzzles had a title. In Midi, this is meant to give a clue about the theme without needing a distinct clue to play the role of a theme revealer.
Grids may occasionally break from square symmetry, which is something also happening in the Mini, especially those made by Sam Ezersky.
Two-letter answers are allowed - this is a feature borrowed from cryptic puzzles, allowing Scrabble (and NYT Crossplay) fans to bank on their skills.
Daily Availability
Puzzles are accessible the evening before the publish date. Weekday and Saturday puzzles: 10 p.m. EST the previous day. Sunday puzzles: 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.