>If you lived in Boston and bought apples from Pittsfield, you would be buying local apples, yes?

No. But you live in Pittsfield and buy Canaan apples and you've bought local apples. Just like local media in Pittsfield broadcasts from New York.

>If you lived in Springfield and bought Wellfleet oysters, you would be buying local oysters, correct?

No. They'd be closer from Connecticut or New York. But even those wouldn't be "local". You're over 100 miles from the shore.

>so most of the state doesn't have more in common with Albany.

It sure does geographically. And those people are no more fond of Market Basket than they are of Wal-mart or any other large chain that puts local businesses out.