Sinclair Broadcast Group: A Powerful Force in Local News

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest television broadcasting companies in the United States. Based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, Sinclair owns and operates more than 190 stations in over 100 markets nationwide. The company has recently come under scrutiny for its use of a “must-run” policy, which requires its stations to air segments from the company’s corporate headquarters. Despite this criticism, Sinclair remains a major player in the industry and its stations continue to provide valuable local news coverage to millions of Americans.

Sinclair has a rich history of growth and innovation. Founded in 1971 by Julian Sinclair Smith, the company began with a single TV station in Baltimore. Over the years, Sinclair expanded its reach through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In 2011, it purchased 58 television stations from Four Points Media Group, making it one of the largest station groups in the country. In 2014, Sinclair entered into a joint venture with Tribune Media, a deal that would have made it even larger had it not been blocked by federal regulators. Despite this setback, Sinclair has continued to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape.

One of the keys to Sinclair’s success has been its emphasis on local news. The company’s stations produce a significant amount of their own programming, with a particular focus on news and weather. This has earned Sinclair a reputation for being a reliable source of local information. According to a 2017 Pew Research Center report, local TV news is the most popular source of news in the U.S., with 37% of Americans saying they often get their news from local TV. Sinclair is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, as its stations reach nearly 40% of American households.

However, Sinclair’s “must-run” policy has raised concerns among critics who argue that it represents a threat to journalistic independence. The policy requires its stations to air segments from Sinclair’s corporate headquarters, including pro-Trump commentary segments by former Trump campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn. Many journalists have expressed alarm that the policy could compromise their ability to report unbiased news.

Despite these concerns, Sinclair shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it has recently made a major investment in a new streaming service called STIRR that aims to compete with streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. STIRR offers a variety of live TV channels and on-demand content, including local news broadcasts from Sinclair’s stations. The service is free to use and supported by advertising, making it an attractive option for cord-cutters who want to access live TV without paying for cable.

In conclusion, Sinclair Broadcast Group remains a powerful force in local news despite the controversies surrounding its “must-run” policy. Its stations continue to provide a valuable service to millions of Americans, delivering news and weather reports that are essential to their daily lives. While it’s unclear how the company’s foray into the streaming space will play out, there’s no doubt that Sinclair’s influence will be felt for years to come.

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