Since launching with one lone station in Baltimore in 1971, Sinclair Broadcast Group has methodically expanded, creating the largest local television news conglomerate in the nation. Over the last five decades they have developed a well-earned reputation as a ruthless corporate actor that is willing to skirt the rules, mistreat employees, and use its power and influence to push agenda-driving content that experts have called ‘propaganda.’

The Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice are currently reviewing Sinclair’s proposed merger with Tribune Media which would net the behemoth an additional 42 local TV news stations, including some in some of the country’s largest media markets. The deal would give Sinclair control of 233 stations, reaching a staggering 72% of U.S. households.

While there has been substantial public interest in this most recent expansion, until now there has been no easily accessible resource for the public, policy makers, and media to see how much influence Sinclair wields in each of the states where it operates. While this information is publicly available, Sinclair does not make it accessible on their corporate website, more than 100 Sinclair station websites, or in its FCC filings.

  • If the deal goes through, Sinclair will have historic influence over local television news. They will own or operate TWO or MORE local news stations in a staggering 52 markets.
  • Sinclair will also control 40-49.99% of all local news stations in 22 markets, 50-59.99% in 15 markets, and more than 60% in 5 markets, if the merger is approved.
  • In Iowa, a state that is arguably one of the most politically influential in the nation, Sinclair will control 40% of local news stations in 1 market, 50% in 2 markets, and 67% in 2 markets if the merger is approved.

If the Sinclair-Tribune merger is approved by the FCC, the company will be one step closer to fulfilling the dream of its chairman David Smith for “an instantaneous final consolidation of the industry.”

In other words, for Sinclair, this is only the beginning.


ALABAMA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 6 local news stations in Alabama. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in the Huntsville/Decatur/Florence market, giving it a total of 7 stations in the state.

In Alabama, Sinclair controls as much as 57% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Birmingham-Tuscaloosa, AL

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (33%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WABM (MyNetwork TV) – Sinclair Owned
  • WBIQ (PBS)
  • WBMA/WCFT (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WBRC (FOX)
  • WIAT (CBS)
  • WVTM (NBC)

Mobile, AL / Pensacola, FL

Sinclair owns or operates 4 (57%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WALA-TV (FOX)
  • WEAR-TV (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WFGX (MyNetwork TV) – Sinclair Owned
  • WFNA (CW)
  • WJTC (Independent) – Sinclair Operated, Sidecar
  • WKRG-TV (CBS)
  • WPMI-TV (NBC) – Sinclair Operated, Sidecar

Huntsville/Decatur/Florence, AL

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the Huntsville / Decatur / Florence market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 20% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WHNT (CBS) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WAAY-TV (ABC)
  • WAFF (NBC)
  • WAMY (MyNetwork TV)
  • WZDX (FOX)

ARKANSAS

Sinclair currently owns or operates 1 local news station in Arkansas. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Fort Smith.

If the merger Is approved, Sinclair will double the number of stations it controls in Arkansas.

Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KATV (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • KARK-TV (NBC)
  • KLRT-TV (FOX)
  • KTHV (CBS)

Fort Smith, AR

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the Fort Smith market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 20% of the local news stations in this market.

  • KFSM/KXNW (CBS) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KFTA-TV (FOX)
  • KHBS/KHOG (ABC)
  • KNWA-TV (NBC)
  • ARKCW (CW)

CALIFORNIA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 3 local news stations in California. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain pick up stations in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego, bring the total to 6 stations.

In California, Sinclair controls as much as 40% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair will double the number of stations it controls in California, even gaining a foothold in Los Angeles, the state’s largest market.

Bakersfield, CA

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KBAK (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • KBFX (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • KABE-LD (Univision)
  • KERO-TV (ABC)
  • KGET-TV (NBC)

Fresno-Visalia, CA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KFSN-TV (ABC)
  • KFTV-DT (Univision)
  • KGPE (CBS)
  • KMPH-TV (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • KSEE (NBC)

Los Angeles, CA

Sinclair does not currently have a station in the sought-after Los Angeles market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 9% of the local news stations in this market.

  • KTLA (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KABC-TV (ABC)
  • KCAL-TV (Independent)
  • KCBS-TV (CBS)
  • KDOC-TV (Independent)
  • KMEX-DT (Univision)
  • KNBC (NBC)
  • KRCA (Estrella TV)
  • KTTV (FOX)
  • KVEA (Telemundo)
  • KWHY-TV (Canal 22)

Sacramento, CA

Sinclair does not currently have a station in the sought-after Sacramento market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 14% of the local news stations in this market.

  • KTXL (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KCRA-TV (NBC)
  • KMAX-TV (CW)
  • KOVR (CBS)
  • KQCA (MyNetwork TV)
  • KUVS-DT/ KEZT-CD (Univision)
  • KXTV (ABC)

San Diego, CA

Sinclair does not currently have a station in the sought-after San Diego market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 17% of the local news stations in this market.

  • KSWB (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KFMB-TV (CBS)
  • KGTV (ABC)
  • KNSD (NBC)
  • KUSI-TV (Independent)
  • KFMB (CW)

COLORADO

Sinclair does not currently own or operate any local news stations in Colorado.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Colorado with control over 29% of the local news stations in Denver, the state’s largest market.

Denver, CO

Sinclair does not currently have a station in the sought-after Denver market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 29% of the local news stations in this market.

  • KDVR/KFCT (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KWGN (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KCNC-TV (CBS)
  • KDEN-TV (Telemundo)
  • KMGH (ABC)
  • KTVD (MyNetwork TV)
  • KUSA-TV (NBC)

CONNECTICUT

Sinclair does not currently own or operate any local news stations in Connecticut.

If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 29% of the local news stations in this market.

Hartford, CT

Sinclair does not currently have a station in the sought-after Hartford market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 29% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WTIC (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WCCT (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WCTX (MyNetwork TV)
  • WFSB (CBS)
  • WTNH (ABC)
  • WUVN (Univision)
  • WVIT (NBC)

DISTRICT of COLUMBIA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 1 local news station in the District of Columbia. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a DC station, giving it a total of 2 stations in the District.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will double the number of stations it controls in DC and control 40% of the local news stations in our nation’s capital.

District of Columbia

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market. If the merger with Tribune is successful, it will own or operate 2 (40%) of the local news stations in the market.

  • WJLA (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WRC (NBC)
  • WTTG (FOX)
  • WUSA (CBS)
  • WDCW (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.

FLORIDA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 9 local news stations in Florida.

In Florida, Sinclair controls as much as 57% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Mobile, AL / Pensacola, FL

Sinclair owns or operates 4 (57%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WALA-TV (FOX)
  • WEAR-TV (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WFGX (MyNetwork TV) – Sinclair Owned
  • WFNA (CW)
  • WJTC (Independent) – Sinclair Operated, Sidecar
  • WKRG-TV (CBS)
  • WPMI-TV (NBC) – Sinclair Operated, Sidecar

Gainesville, FL

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (33%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WCJB-TV (ABC)
  • WGFL (CBS) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement
  • WNBW-DT (NBC) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement
  • WOGX (FOX)
  • WUFT (PBS)
  • WYKE-CD (YouToo)

Tallahassee, FL-Thomasville, GA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (33%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WCTV (CBS)
  • WTWC (NBC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WTXL (ABC)

West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce, FL

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (33%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WBWP (Independent)
  • WFLX (FOX)
  • WPBF (ABC)
  • WPEC (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • WPTV (NBC)
  • WTVX (CW) – Sinclair Owned

GEORGIA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 5 local news stations in Georgia.

In Georgia, Sinclair controls as much as 50% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Albany, GA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WALB (ABC)
  • WFXL (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • WSST-TV (YouToo)
  • WSWG (CBS)

Macon, GA

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WGXA (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • WGXA (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WMAZ-TV (CBS)
  • WMGT-TV (NBC)

Savannah, GA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WJCL (ABC)
  • WSAV (NBC)
  • WTGS (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • WTOC (CBS)

Tallahassee, FL-Thomasville, GA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (33%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WCTV (CBS)
  • WTWC (NBC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WTXL (ABC)

IDAHO

Sinclair currently owns or operates 2 local news stations in Idaho.

In its Idaho market, Sinclair controls 50% of local news stations.

Boise, ID

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KBOI-TV (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • KIVI-TV (ABC)
  • KTVB (NBC)
  • KYUU-LP (CW) – Sinclair Owned

ILLINOIS

Sinclair currently owns or operates 5 local news stations in Illinois. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Chicago, giving it a total of 6 stations in the state.

In Illinois, Sinclair controls as much as 67% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair would gain a foothold in Chicago, the state’s largest market.

Champaign-Springfield-Decatur, IL

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WAND (NBC)
  • WCCU / WRSP-TV (FOX) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement
  • WCIA (CBS)
  • WCIX (MyNetwork TV)
  • WICD / WICS (ABC) – Sinclair Owned

Paducah, KY/Cape Girardeau, MO/Harrisburg-Mt. Vernon IL

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (17%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KBSI (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • KFVS-TV (CBS)
  • KPOB-TV (ABC)
  • WPSD-TV (NBC)
  • WQTV-LP (CW)
  • WSIL-TV (ABC)

Quincy, IL/Hannibal, MO/Keokuk, IA

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (67%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KHQA-TV (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • KHQA-TV (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WGEM-TV (NBC)

Chicago, IL

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after Chicago market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 9% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WGN (Independent) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WBBM-TV (CBS)
  • WCIU-TV (Independent)
  • WFLD (FOX)
  • WGBO-DT (Univision)
  • WLS-TV (ABC)
  • WMAQ-TV (NBC)
  • KBCTV/WOCK (Independent Korean)
  • WSNS-TV (Telemundo)
  • WTTW (PBS)
  • WXFT-DT (Uni Mas)

INDIANA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 2 local news stations in Indiana. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Indianapolis, giving it a total of 4 stations in the state.

In Indiana, Sinclair controls as much as 40% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair would gain a foothold in Indianapolis, the state’s largest market and control 40% of local news stations there.

South Bend-Elkhart, IN

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WBND (ABC)
  • WCWW (CW)
  • WNDU (NBC)
  • WSBT (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • WSBT (FOX) – Sinclair Owned

Indianapolis, IN

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after Indianapolis market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 40% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WXIN (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WTTV/WTTK (CBS) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WTHR (NBC)
  • WRTV (ABC)
  • WISH-TV (CW)

IOWA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 9 local news stations in Iowa. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Davenport and
gain a station in Des Moines-Ames, giving it a total of 12 stations the state.

In Iowa, Sinclair controls as much as 67% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair will also control 40% of local news stations in Des Moines, the state’s largest market, and gain a foothold in Davenport.

Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Dubuque, IA

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KCRG-TV (ABC)
  • KFXA (FOX) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement
  • KGAN (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • KWWL (NBC)

Davenport, IA

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the Davenport market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 33% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WQAD (ABC) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • MNTHD (MyNetwork TV) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KGCW (CW)
  • KLJB (FOX)
  • KWQC (NBC)
  • WHBF-TV (CBS)

Des Moines-Ames, IA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market. If the Tribune merger were approved by the FCC, they would own or operate 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KCCI (CBS)
  • KCWI-TV (CW)
  • KDSM-TV (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • WHO-DT (NBC) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WOI-DT (ABC)

Ottumwa, IA / Kirksville, MO

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (67%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KTVO (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • KTVO (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • KYOU-TV (FOX)

Quincy, IL/Hannibal, MO/Keokuk, IA

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (67%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KHQA-TV (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • KHQA-TV (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WGEM-TV (NBC)

Sioux City, IA

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KCAU (ABC)
  • KMEG (CBS) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement
  • KPTH / KPTP (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • KTIV (NBC)

KANSAS

Sinclair currently owns or operates 1 local news station in Kansas.

In its Kansas market, Sinclair controls 17% of the local news stations.

Wichita-Hutchinson, KS

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (17%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KAKE / KLBY / KUPK / KHDS (ABC)
  • KBSD / KBSH / KBSL / KWCH (CBS)
  • KDCU (Univision)
  • KSAS / KOCW (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • KSCW (CW)
  • KSNC / KSNG / KSNK / KSNL / KSNW (NBC)

KENTUCKY

Sinclair currently owns or operates 2 local news stations in Kentucky.

In Kentucky, Sinclair controls as much as 25% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Lexington, KY

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WDKY-TV (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • WKYT-TV / WYMT-TV (CBS)
  • WLEX-TV (NBC)
  • WTVQ-DT (ABC)

Paducah, KY/Cape Girardeau, MO/Harrisburg-Mt. Vernon IL

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (17%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KBSI (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • KFVS-TV (CBS)
  • KPOB-TV (ABC)
  • WPSD-TV (NBC)
  • WQTV-LP (CW)
  • WSIL-TV (ABC)

LOUISIANA

Sinclair does not currently own or operate any local news stations in Louisiana. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in New Orleans, giving it a total of 2 station in the state.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Louisiana’s largest market, controlling 40% of local stations in New Orleans.

New Orleans, LA

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after New Orleans market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 40% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WGNO (ABC) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WNOL (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WDSU (NBC)
  • WVUE (Fox)
  • WWL (CBS)

MAINE

Sinclair currently owns or operates 2 local news stations in Maine.

In its Maine market, Sinclair controls 50% of the local news stations.

Portland-Auburn, ME

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WCSH (NBC)
  • WGME-TV (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • WMTW (ABC)
  • WPFO (FOX) – Sinclair Owned

MARYLAND

Sinclair currently owns or operates 1 local news station in Maryland.

In its Maryland market, Sinclair controls 25% of the local news stations.

Baltimore, MD

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WBAL-TV (NBC)
  • WBFF (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • WJZ-TV (CBS)
  • WMAR-TV (ABC)

MASSACHUSETTS

Sinclair currently owns or operates 1 local news station in Massachusetts.

In its Massachusetts market, Sinclair controls 25% of the local news stations.

Providence-New Bedford, RI

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WJAR (NBC) – Sinclair owned
  • WLNE-TV (ABC)
  • WNAC-TV (FOX)
  • WPRI-TV (CBS)

MICHIGAN

Sinclair currently owns or operates 5 local news stations in Michigan. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a station in Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, giving it a total of 6 stations the state.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will control 40-50% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Flint-Saginaw-Bay City, MI

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WEYI-TV (NBC) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement
  • WNEM-TV (CBS)
  • WNEM-TV (MyNetwork TV)
  • WXYZ (ABC)
  • WSMH (FOX) – Sinclair Owned

Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, MI

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market. If the FCC were to approve the Tribune merger, it would give Sinclair 2 (50%) of news stations in this market.

  • WOOD-TV (NBC)
  • WOTV / WZZM (ABC)
  • WWMT (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • WXMI (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.

Traverse City-Cadillac, MI

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WFQX / WFUP / WWTV (FOX)
  • WGTQ / WGTU (ABC) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement
  • WPBN / WTOM (NBC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WWTV / WWUP (CBS)

MISSOURI

Sinclair currently owns or operates 7 local news stations in Missouri. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Kansas City and gain a station in St. Louis, giving it a total of 10 stations the state.

In Missouri, Sinclair controls as much as 67% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Kansas City and control 60% of local stations in St. Louis, the state’s largest market.

Columbia-Jefferson City, MO

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KMIZ (ABC)
  • KOMU-TV (NBC)
  • KQFX-LD (FOX)
  • KRCG (CBS) – Sinclair Owned

Kansas City, MO

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the Kansas City market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 14% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WDAF (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KCTV (CBS)
  • KCWE (CW)
  • KMBC (ABC)
  • KMCI-TV (Independent)
  • KSHB-TV (NBC)
  • KSMO-TV (MyNetwork TV)

Paducah, KY/Cape Girardeau, MO/Harrisburg-Mt. Vernon IL

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (17%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KBSI (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • KFVS-TV (CBS)
  • KPOB-TV (ABC)
  • WPSD-TV (NBC)
  • WQTV-LP (CW)
  • WSIL-TV (ABC)

Quincy, IL/Hannibal, MO/Keokuk, IA

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (67%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KHQA-TV (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • KHQA-TV (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WGEM-TV (NBC)

St. Louis, MO

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market. If the FCC were to approve the Tribune merger, Sinclair would own or operate 3 (60%) of the local news stations in this market

  • KDNL (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • KMOV (CBS)
  • KSDK (NBC)
  • KTVI (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KPLR (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.

Ottumwa, IA / Kirksville, MO

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (67%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KTVO (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • KTVO (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • KYOU-TV (FOX)

NEBRASKA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 3 local news stations in Nebraska.

In Nebraska, Sinclair controls 40% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Lincoln-Hastings-Kearney, NE

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KFXL-TV (FOX) – Sinclair owned
  • KGIN / KOLN (CBS)
  • KHAS-TV / KSNB (NBC)*
  • KHGI-TV / KWNB-TV (ABC)** – Sinclair owned
  • KLKN (ABC)**

*KHAS-TV is now KSNB.
**The Lincoln market has two competing ABC affiliates in the market.

Omaha, NE

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KETV (ABC)
  • KMTV-TV (CBS)
  • KPTM (FOX) – Sinclair owned
  • WOWT-TV (NBC)

NEVADA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 4 local news stations in Nevada.

In Nevada, Sinclair controls 40% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Las Vegas, NV

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KBLR (Telemundo – NBC)
  • KINC (Univision)
  • KLAS-TV (CBS)
  • KPVM (KPVM)
  • KSNV-DT (NBC) – Sinclair Owned
  • KTNV-TV (ABC)
  • KVCW (CW) – Sinclair Owned
  • KVVU-TV (FOX)

Reno, NV

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KOLO-TV (ABC)
  • KREN-TV (Univision)
  • KRNV-DT (NBC) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement
  • KRXI-TV (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • KTVN (CBS)

NEW YORK

Sinclair currently owns or operates 7 local news stations in New York. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in New York City, giving it a total of 8 stations in the state.

In New York, Sinclair controls as much as 67% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair will gain a foothold in New York City, the nation’s largest market.

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (33%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WCDC-TV / WTEN (ABC)
  • WCWN (CW) – Sinclair Owned
  • WNYA (MyNetwork TV)
  • WNYT (NBC)
  • WRGB (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • WXXA-TV (FOX)

Buffalo, NY

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WGRZ (NBC)
  • WIVB-TV (CBS)
  • WKBW-TV (ABC)
  • WNLO (CW)
  • WUTV (FOX) – Sinclair Owned

Rochester, NY

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WHAM-TV (ABC) – Sinclair Operated, Sidecar
  • WHEC-TV (NBC)
  • WROC-TV (CBS)
  • WUHF (FOX) – Sinclair Owned

Syracuse, NY

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (67%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WSTM (NBC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WSYR (ABC)
  • WTVH (CBS) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement

New York, NY

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after New York City market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 14% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WPIX (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WABC (ABC)
  • WCBS / WLNY (CBS)
  • WFTY / WFUT / WXTV (Univision)
  • WMBC (Independent)
  • WNBC (NBC)
  • WNYW (Fox)

NORTH CAROLINA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 3 local news stations in North Carolina. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a station in Greensboro, giving it a total of 4 stations in the state.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will control as much as 40% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Raleigh-Durham, NC

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (17%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WLFL (CW) – Sinclair owned
  • WNCN (CBS)
  • WRAL-TV (NBC)
  • WRAZ (FOX)
  • WTVD (ABC)
  • WUVC-DT (Univision)

Greensboro-High Point-Winston Salem, NC

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WCWG (CW)
  • WFMY-TV (CBS)
  • WGHP (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WXII-TV (NBC)
  • WXLV-TV (ABC) – Sinclair owned

Greenville-Spartanburg, SC/Asheville, NC/Anderson, SC

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WLOS (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • WSPA-TV (CBS)
  • WYCW (CW)
  • WYFF (NBC)
  • WHNS (FOX)

OHIO

Sinclair currently owns or operates 9 local news stations in Ohio. If its
merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a
foothold in Cleveland, giving it a total of 10 stations in the state.

In Ohio, Sinclair controls as much as 50% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, it will gain a foothold in Cleveland, the state’s largest market.

Cincinnati, OH

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WCPO-TV (ABC)
  • WKRC-TV (CBS) – Sinclair owned
  • WLWT (NBC)
  • WSTR-TV (MyNetwork TV)– Sinclair Sidecar
  • WXIX-TV (FOX)

Columbus, OH

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WBNS-TV (CBS)
  • WCMH-TV (NBC)
  • WSYX (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • WTTE (FOX) – Sinclair operated, service agreement

Dayton, OH

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WDTN (NBC)
  • WHIO-TV (CBS)
  • WKEF (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • WRGT-TV (FOX) – Sinclair owned

Toledo, OH

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WNWO (NBC) – Sinclair owned
  • WTOL (CBS)
  • WTVG (ABC)
  • WUPW (FOX)

Wheeling, WV/Steubenville, OH

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the news stations in this market.

  • WTOV (NBC) – Sinclair owned
  • WTOV-2 (FOX) – Sinclair owned
  • WTRF (CBS)
  • WTRF-2 (ABC)

Cleveland, OH

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after Cleveland market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 17% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WJW (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WEWS (ABC)
  • WKYC (NBC)
  • WMFD (Independent)
  • WOIO (CBS)
  • WUAB (MyNetwork TV)

OKLAHOMA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 2 local news stations in Oklahoma.
If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain
2 stations in Oklahoma City, giving it a total of 4 stations in the state.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will double the number of stations it has in Oklahoma and control 43% of local stations in Oklahoma City, the state’s largest market.

Oklahoma City, OK

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (14%) of the local news stations in this market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 3 (43%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KAUT-TV (Freedom 43) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KFOR-TV (NBC) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KOCO-TV (ABC)
  • KOKH (FOX) – Sinclair owned
  • KSBI (MyNetwork TV)
  • KTUZ-TV (Telemundo – NBC)
  • KWTV-DT (CBS)

Tulsa, OK

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (17%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KJRH (NBC)
  • KMYT (MyNetwork TV)
  • KOKI (FOX)
  • KOTV (CBS)
  • KQCW (CW)
  • KTUL (ABC) – Sinclair owned

OREGON

Sinclair currently owns or operates 5 local news stations in Oregon. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain 1 station in Portland, giving it a total of 6 stations in the state.

In Oregon, Sinclair currently controls 25-40% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair will control another station in Portland bringing its control of the state’s largest market to 43%.

Eugene, OR

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KCBY-TV / KVAL-TV/KPIC-TV (CBS) – Sinclair owned
  • KEVU-CD (MyNetwork TV)
  • KEZI (ABC)
  • KLSR-TV (FOX)
  • KMTR / KTCW / KMCB (NBC / CW) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement

Medford-Klamath Falls, OR

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KDRV / KDKF (ABC)
  • KMVU-DT (FOX)
  • KOBI / KOTI (NBC)
  • KTVL (CBS) – Sinclair owned

Portland, OR

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (29%) of the local news stations in this market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 3 (43%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KATU (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • KGW (NBC)
  • KOIN (CBS)
  • KPDX (MyNetwork TV)
  • KPTV (FOX)
  • KRCW-TV (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KUNP (Univision) – Sinclair owned

PENNSYLVANIA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 4 local news stations in Pennsylvania. If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Philadelphia and gain a station in Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon and Wilkes Barre-Scranton, likely giving it a total of 7 stations in the state.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will likely control as much as 50% of local news stations in the markets where it operates and nearly double the number of stations it has in Pennsylvania overall. It will also gain a foothold in Philadelphia, the state’s largest market.

Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WGAL (NBC)
  • WHP-TV (CBS) – Sinclair Owned
  • WHTM-TV (ABC)
  • WPMT (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.

Johnstown-Altoona, PA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WATM-TV (ABC)
  • WJAC-TV (NBC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WWCP-TV (FOX)
  • WTAJ-TV (CBS)

Pittsburgh, PA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KDKA-TV (CBS)
  • WPCW (CW)
  • WPGH-TV (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • WPXI (NBC)
  • WTAE-TV (ABC)

Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair may own or operate 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WBRE (NBC)
  • WYOU (CBS)
  • WNEP (ABC)* – May be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WOLF (FOX) – Sinclair Operated, Service Agreement

* Owned by Dreamcatcher Broadcasting LLC, operated by Tribune Broadcasting

Philadelphia, PA

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after Philadelphia market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 11% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WPHL (MyNetwork TV) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KYW (CBS)
  • WCAU (NBC)
  • WEVD / WPVI (ABC)
  • WFMZ (Independent)
  • WFPA / WUVP (Univision)
  • WNJT (PBS)
  • WTFX (Fox)
  • WWSI (Telemundo)

RHODE ISLAND

Sinclair currently owns or operates 1 local news station in Rhode Island.

In its Rhode Island market, Sinclair controls 25% of local news stations.

Providence, RI-New Bedford, MA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WJAR (NBC) – Sinclair owned
  • WLNE-TV (ABC)
  • WNAC-TV (FOX)
  • WPRI-TV (CBS)

SOUTH CAROLINA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 5 local news stations in South Carolina.

In South Carolina, Sinclair controls 20-40% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Charleston, SC

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WCBD-TV (NBC)
  • WCIV (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WCSC-TV (CBS)
  • WTAT-TV (FOX)

Columbia, SC

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WACH (FOX)– Sinclair Owned
  • WIS (NBC)
  • WLTX (CBS)
  • WOLO-TV (ABC)

Florence-Myrtle Beach, SC

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WBTW (CBS)
  • WFXB (FOX)
  • WMBF-TV (NBC)
  • WPDE-TV (ABC) – Sinclair Owned
  • WWMB (CW) – Sinclair Operated, Sidecar

Greenville-Spartanburg, SC/Asheville, NC/Anderson, SC

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WLOS (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • WSPA-TV (CBS)
  • WYCW (CW)
  • WYFF (NBC)
  • WHNS (FOX)

TENNESSEE

Sinclair currently owns or operates 4 local news stations in Tennessee.
If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain
a foothold in Memphis, giving it a total of 5 stations in the state.

In Tennessee, Sinclair controls 40-50% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair will gain a foothold in the enormous Memphis market.

Chattanooga, TN

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WDEF-TV (CBS)
  • WRCB (NBC)
  • WTVC (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • WDSI / WTVC 2 (FOX) – Sinclair owned

Nashville, TN

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WKRN-TV (ABC)
  • WSMV-TV (NBC)
  • WTVF (CBS)
  • WUXP-TV (MyNetwork TV) – Sinclair owned
  • WZTV (FOX) – Sinclair owned

Memphis, TN

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after Memphis market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 17% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WDYR-CD
  • WHBQ-TV (Fox)
  • WLMT (CW)
  • WMC-TV (NBC)
  • WPTY-TV (ABC)
  • WREG-TV (CBS) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.

TEXAS

Sinclair currently owns or operates 11 local news stations in Texas.
If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain a foothold in Houston and Dallas, giving it a total of 13 stations in the state.

In Texas, Sinclair controls as much as 67% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair will gain a foothold in major markets like Dallas and Houston.

Amarillo, TX

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KAMR-TV (NBC)
  • KCIT (FOX)
  • KFDA-TV (CBS)
  • KVIH / KVII (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • KVIH-2 / KVII-2 (CW) – Sinclair owned

Austin, TX

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (17%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KAKW-DT / KTFO-CD (Univision)
  • KEYE-TV (CBS) – Sinclair owned
  • KTBC (FOX)
  • KVUE (ABC)
  • KXAN-TV (NBC)
  • KNVA (CW)

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (67%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KBTV-TV (FOX) – Sinclair operated, sidecar
  • KFDM-TV (CBS) – Sinclair owned
  • KBMT (ABC)

Corpus Christi, TX

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KIII (ABC)
  • KRIS-TV (NBC)
  • KUQI (FOX) – Sinclair owned
  • KZTV (CBS)

El Paso, TX

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (33%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KDBC-TV (CBS) – Sinclair owned
  • KFOX-TV (FOX) – Sinclair owned
  • KTDO (Telemundo)
  • KTSM-TV (NBC)
  • KVIA-TV (ABC)
  • XHJCI (Juarez, MX station)*

*XHJCI is a station in Juarez, MX that runs a local news program called Noticiero El Paso

Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, TX

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KTFV-CD / KFXV-LD (FOX)
  • KGBT-TV (CBS) – Sinclair owned
  • KRGV-TV (ABC)
  • KVEO-TV (NBC)

San Antonio, TX

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (29%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KABB (FOX) – Sinclair owned
  • KENS (CBS)
  • KSAT (ABC)
  • KWEX (Univision)
  • WOAI (NBC) – Sinclair Owned
  • KVDA (Telemundo)
  • KCWX (MyNetwork TV)

Dallas, TX

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after Dallas market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 11% of the local news stations in this market.

  • KDAF (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KAZD (Azteca)
  • KDFW (Fox)
  • KSTR-DT (Univision)
  • KTVT (CBS)
  • KUVN-DT (Univision)
  • KXAS-TV (NBC)
  • KXTX-TV (Telemundo)
  • WFAA (ABC)

Houston, TX

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after Houston market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 12.5% of the local news stations in this market.

  • KHOU (CBS)
  • KIAH (CW) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KPRC-TV (NBC)
  • KRIV (FOX)
  • KTMD (Telemundo)
  • KTRK-TV (ABC)
  • KXLN-DT (Univision)
  • KYAZ-TV (Azteca)

UTAH

Sinclair currently owns or operates 4 local news stations in Utah.
If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain
a station in Salt Lake City, giving it a total of 5 stations in the state.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will control 56% of local news stations in Salt Lake City, the state’s largest market.

Salt Lake City, UT

Sinclair owns or operates 4 (44%) of the news stations in this market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 5 (56%) of the news stations in this market.

  • KCSG (H&I TV)
  • KJZZ (KJZZ) – Sinclair owned
  • KMYU (MyNetwork TV) – Sinclair owned
  • KSL (NBC)
  • KSTU (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KTVX / KUCW (CW)
  • KUTH (Univision)
  • KUTV (CBS) – Sinclair owned
  • KENV (NBC) – Sinclair owned*

*KENV is in the Salt Lake City market, but is located in Elko, NV.


VIRGINIA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 2 local news stations in Virginia. If its
merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will likely gain a
foothold in Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport and gain a station in
Richmond-Petersburg, giving it a total of 5 stations in the state.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will more than double the number of local news stations it has in Virginia, and control as much as 40% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Richmond-Petersburg, VA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WRIC-TV (ABC)
  • WRLH-TV (FOX) – Sinclair Owned
  • WUPV (CW)
  • WWBT (NBC)
  • WTVR (CBS) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.

Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WDBJ (CBS)
  • WFXR-TV (FOX)
  • WSET-TV (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • WSLS-TV (NBC)
  • WWCW (CW)

Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, VA

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair may own or operate 40% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WAVY-TV (NBC)
  • WGNT (CW)* – May be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WTKR (CBS)* – May be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WVBT (FOX)
  • WVEC (ABC)

* Owned by Dreamcatcher Broadcasting LLC, operated by Tribune Broadcasting


WASHINGTON

Sinclair currently owns or operates 6 local news stations in Washington.
If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will
gain 1 station in Seattle, giving it a total of 7 stations in the state.

If the merger is approved, Sinclair will control 43% of the local news stations in Washington State markets like Seattle and Yakima.

Seattle-Tacoma, WA

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (29%) of the local news stations in this market. If its merger with Tribune is approved, Sinclair will own or operate 3 (43%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KCPQ / KZJO (FOX / MyNetwork TV) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • KFFV (KFFV)
  • KING (NBC)
  • KIRO (CBS)
  • KOMO (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • KONG (KONG)
  • KUNS (Univision) – Sinclair owned

Spokane, WA

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (17%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KAYU (FOX)
  • KHQ (NBC)
  • KLEW (CBS)* – Sinclair owned
  • KREM (CBS)
  • KSKN (CW)
  • KXLY / KXMN (ABC)

*KLEW is part of the Spokane market, but located in Lewiston, Idaho.

Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewick, WA

Sinclair owns or operates 3 (43%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • KAPP / KVEW (ABC)
  • KEPR-TV / KIMA-TV (CBS) – Sinclair owned
  • KEPR-2 / KIMA-2 (CW) – Sinclair owned
  • KFFX-TV (FOX)
  • KFFX-2 (Telemundo)
  • KNDO / KNDU (NBC)
  • KUNW / KORX (Univision) – Sinclair owned

WEST VIRGINIA

Sinclair currently owns or operates 4 local news stations in West Virginia.

In West Virginia, Sinclair controls 40-50% of local news stations in the markets where it operates.

Charleston-Huntington, WV

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (40%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WCHS-TV (ABC) – Sinclair owned
  • WOWK-TV (CBS)
  • WQCW (CW)
  • WSAZ-TV (NBC)
  • WVAH-TV (FOX) – Sinclair owned

Wheeling, WV/Steubenville, OH

Sinclair owns or operates 2 (50%) of the news stations in this market.

  • WTOV (NBC) – Sinclair owned
  • WTOV-2 (FOX) – Sinclair owned
  • WTRF-TV (CBS)
  • WTRF-2 (ABC)

WISCONSIN

Sinclair currently owns or operates 2 local news stations in Wisconsin.
If its merger with Tribune is approved by the FCC, Sinclair will gain
a foothold in Milwaukee, giving it a total of 3 stations in the state.

In Wisconsin, Sinclair controls as much as 25% of local news stations in the markets where it operates. If the merger is approved, Sinclair will gain a foothold in the enormous Milwaukee market.

Green Bay-Appleton, WI

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (25%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WBAY-TV (ABC)
  • WFRV-TV (CBS)
  • WGBA-TV (NBC)
  • WLUK-TV (FOX) – Sinclair owned

Madison, WI

Sinclair owns or operates 1 (20%) of the local news stations in this market.

  • WISC-TV (CBS)
  • WKOW-TV (ABC)
  • WMSN-TV (FOX) – Sinclair owned
  • WMTV (NBC)
  • WMTV-2 (CW)

Milwaukee, WI

Sinclair does not currently have a local news station in the sought-after Milwaukee market. If the proposed merger with Tribune Media is approved, Sinclair would own or operate 20% of the local news stations in this market.

  • WDJT-TV (CBS)
  • WISN-TV (ABC)
  • WITI (FOX) – Will be acquired by Sinclair if merger with Tribune is approved.
  • WMLW-TV (Independent)
  • WTMJ-TV (NBC)

METHODOLOGY

We first took the list of Sinclair stations from its website, and then used FCC Public Inspection Files and a Sinclair SEC filing detailing their subsidiaries to determine whether or not they owned the station outright or simply operated the station via a sidecar or service agreement. This gave us the list of Sinclair stations we would ultimately end up using for this report. We also took the list of Tribune stations from its website.

From there, we made a list of all the media markets (DMAs) that these Sinclair and Tribune stations are in. From that list of media markets, we relied on TV News Check to pull a list of every major broadcast station in each market. We then used TV Guide to examine each station to determine whether or not they regularly broadcast local news. The TV Guide we used allowed us to input a zip code. We selected a zip code from one of the cities mentioned in the name of the media market to pull up the broadcast programming for the area. We were sure to select the broadcast television schedule when viewing these guides because the channel numbers are different by cable provider.

From this TV Guide, we could determine which stations had local news programs at least once a day. Because the definition of local news is subjective, we considered a news program to be any program that features news-like segments, for example, a wake-up show that might not have investigative reporting, but does provide a traffic and weather update, we called that local news. However, if we came across a public broadcast panel discussion show that didn’t serve as a news program, we deemed that commentary and not local news.

In terms of determining what was local news and what was not, anything statewide, regional, or more local then that, we considered local news. For instance, if there was a news program that covered the Northwest region (Washington and Oregon) we would consider it local. A handful of stations had statewide morning programs that we considered local news.

Once we determined which stations had local news, we had to determine their affiliation (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, etc.). To determine their affiliation, we searched google and TV News Check to see if they had a website or any other publicly accessible resource that described the current station affiliation.

After determining the affiliation, we calculated how many of the local news stations by media market were owned or operated by Sinclair. We used standard rounding rules to round the percentages to the nearest integer.

Due to the way certain sources report stations that might be jointly owned, operated or ran, we had to determine how we would count stations that co-mingle resources. If two stations had separate call signs, but shared the same affiliation and had identical programming, we counted that as a single station. If two affiliates in a market share the same call letters, but don’t have identical programming, we counted those as two stations. In an event of a station not producing its own news, but broadcasting a local news program on their air from another station in the market, and has a separate call sign and affiliation, then we counted them as two stations. For example, there were some markets in which non-big four stations (MyNetwork TV, CW, YouToo, etc.) broadcasted a local news program produced by another news producing station in their market. In these instances, the non-big four stations had a different call sign than the big four station whose news they were broadcasting, and had their own programming throughout the day, with the exception of the local news program. In this case we counted the big four and the non-big four as two separate stations that had local news.

This report does not include all 50 states because there were states where neither Sinclair or Tribune operate, or where one of the two operate, but do not serve local news functions. In addition, because media markets do not fit cleanly within state lines and this report is a state by state analysis, we had to decide which states a media market applies to in instances where the market runs across state lines. Rather than determining which stations in that media market reach a geography in that market, we did not split any media markets. As such, if a city in a certain state is referenced in the name of the media market then that market will be included in that states report. For example, Providence-New Bedford media market will be included in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts state report. In cases where a media market has only one state referenced in the name, we did not put the stations in that market on the list for the state that it crosses into because of the time it would take and complications in determining what stations in that market reach what geography in that market. For example, Salt Lake City media market crosses from Utah into Wyoming, but no city in Wyoming is mentioned in the media markets name and there is no concrete way to determine the absolute reach of the individual stations.