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Sinclair Broadcast Group

All articles tagged with #sinclair broadcast group

FCC Dismantles Local-TV Ownership Cap, Sparking Legal and Antitrust Questions
business29 days ago

FCC Dismantles Local-TV Ownership Cap, Sparking Legal and Antitrust Questions

In a 2-1 vote, the FCC scrapped the 39% cap on national audience reach for local TV station owners, moving approval of deals to a case-by-case basis. Supporters say it restores balance and boosts deregulation, while critics warn it accelerates consolidation, hurts localism, and may invite court challenges over the FCC’s authority, given potential conflicts with the Communications Act. Beneficiaries include Nexstar and Sinclair (the latter aided by a Tegna-merger waiver), with ongoing antitrust suits and questions about legality ahead. FCC Chair Brendan Carr touts a pro-broadcaster stance, while Commissioner Anna Gomez dissented, arguing the move makes local stations effectively national companies.

via Engadget|
#antitrust#business#fcc
"Baltimore Sun's Controversial New Owner Sparks Newsroom Tension"
media2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun's Controversial New Owner Sparks Newsroom Tension"

The Baltimore Sun, Maryland's largest newspaper, has been purchased by David D. Smith, the executive chairman of the conservative Sinclair Broadcast Group, raising concerns among staff and observers about potential political influence on the publication. The acquisition marks the return of the 186-year-old newspaper to local ownership, but many fear that Smith's political interests may impact the paper's editorial independence, given Sinclair's history of aligning with former President Donald Trump and requiring stations to film promos echoing his attacks on the news media.

via The New York Times|
#baltimore-sun#david-d-smith#journalism
"Baltimore Sun Staff Navigate Turbulent Transition Under New Right-Wing Owner"
business2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun Staff Navigate Turbulent Transition Under New Right-Wing Owner"

The Baltimore Sun's staff clashed with new owner David D. Smith, a television executive and lifelong resident of the Baltimore area, during a tense meeting where Smith expressed negative opinions about the newspaper and its coverage. Smith, the executive chairman of the Sinclair Broadcast Group, has faced concerns about his intentions for the 186-year-old newspaper, especially given Sinclair's marked conservative bent in recent years. The staff expressed concerns about Smith's lack of understanding of print media standards and journalism ethics, as well as his focus on clicks over journalistic value. Smith's plans for the Sun remain unclear, but his statements about getting out of the paper business and his family foundation's contributions to conservative and right-wing advocacy groups have raised further questions about the newspaper's future editorial direction.

via The Washington Post|
#baltimore-sun#business#david-d-smith
"Baltimore Sun's Controversial Shift: Conservative TV Mogul Takes Ownership"
business2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun's Controversial Shift: Conservative TV Mogul Takes Ownership"

David Smith, the conservative TV mogul and executive chairman of Sinclair television stations, has purchased the Baltimore Sun and several community newspapers from Alden Global Capital, returning the paper to local ownership for the first time in nearly four decades. Smith's influence as the leader of a network of over 190 television news stations has been controversial, with accusations of leaning too far to the political right and running afoul of federal regulators. His purchase raises concerns about media ownership and influence in Baltimore and beyond.

via The Baltimore Banner|
#baltimore-sun#business#conservative-media-mogul
"Baltimore Sun Sold to Sinclair TV Chairman: A New Era for the Newspaper Industry"
media2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun Sold to Sinclair TV Chairman: A New Era for the Newspaper Industry"

The Baltimore Sun has been sold to David Smith, the chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, along with conservative commentator Armstrong Williams. This sale has sparked concern, especially from David Simon, creator of The Wire, who worked at the Sun and urged people to support the Baltimore nonprofit news organization, The Baltimore Banner. Sinclair has faced scrutiny for its political commentary segments, but Smith believes there could be synergies between the newspaper and Sinclair, emphasizing the responsibility to serve the public interest.

via Hollywood Reporter|
#baltimore-sun#david-simon#local-news
Sinclair's David D. Smith Acquires Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette
business2 years ago

Sinclair's David D. Smith Acquires Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette

The Baltimore Sun, Maryland's largest daily newspaper, has been acquired by David D. Smith, the executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, returning the paper to local ownership for the first time in decades. The purchase comes after the paper was previously owned by Alden Global Capital, known for cost-cutting and staff reductions at local newspapers. Smith expressed his belief in serving the public interest through local news and aims for the paper to be profitable while preserving its journalistic values. The sale surprised union representatives and staff, and comes after a failed attempt to return the paper to local ownership in 2021. Smith's acquisition has raised concerns due to his conservative ties and criticism of mainstream media.

via The Washington Post|
#baltimore-sun#business#local-news
MLB Commissioner Testifies on Bankruptcy and TV Deals
sports3 years ago

MLB Commissioner Testifies on Bankruptcy and TV Deals

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred criticized Sinclair Broadcast Group's subsidiary, Diamond Sports Group, for not paying the San Diego Padres their rights fees and for threatening bankruptcy to reduce teams' rights fees. MLB took over the production and distribution of Padres TV broadcasts, which were previously owned by Diamond. The legal dispute in Houston is to determine fair market value for the TV rights of four teams. Diamond's restructuring plan centers on its direct-to-consumer streaming service, but MLB has been reluctant to give those rights to Diamond.

via The Washington Post|
#mlb#san-diego-padres#sinclair-broadcast-group
Diamond Sports Group, owner of MLB broadcast rights, files for bankruptcy.
business3 years ago

Diamond Sports Group, owner of MLB broadcast rights, files for bankruptcy.

Diamond Sports, the largest owner of regional sports networks, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after missing a $140 million payment on its more than $8 billion debt load. The company is finalizing a restructuring support agreement with a majority of its debt holders and Sinclair to clear its debt load. Diamond will not suspend local broadcast service of 19 networks under the Bally Sports brand across the country, which includes coverage of professional hockey, basketball, and baseball games. The bankruptcy proceedings may lead to the termination of contracts of at least four MLB teams.

via New York Post |
#bankruptcy#business#diamond-sports