Sinclair (NASDAQ:SBGI) Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI) is a diversified American telecommunications company primarily engaged in the ownership and operation of television broadcast stations, regional sports networks and digital media assets. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Sinclair manages one of the largest station portfolios in the United States, with a focus on delivering local news, syndicated programming and sports content to viewers across diverse markets. The company’s business model combines traditional broadcasting with emerging digital platforms, enabling it to reach audiences through over-the-air signals, cable systems and streaming services.
Founded in 1971 by Julian Sinclair Smith, Sinclair began as a small cluster of television stations in Virginia and has grown through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Over the decades, the company expanded its footprint beyond local broadcasting to include the development of regional sports networks and the acquisition of niche cable channels. In recent years, Sinclair has placed particular emphasis on integrating its linear television operations with over-the-top (OTT) offerings to adapt to changing viewer habits and to capture advertising revenue in the digital space.
Sinclair’s core offerings include locally produced news and public affairs programming, nationally syndicated talk and lifestyle shows, and a suite of sports channels under brand names such as the Tennis Channel and Stadium. The company also operates STIRR, a free ad-supported streaming service that aggregates live and on-demand content from Sinclair’s broadcast stations alongside other digital channels. In addition, Sinclair provides advertising sales services, production facilities and technical support to third-party content creators and networks, leveraging its scale to offer targeted marketing solutions for local and national advertisers.
Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ripley, Sinclair continues to pursue innovation in content distribution and audience engagement. The company’s governance includes oversight by Chairman David D. Smith, who succeeded his father, Julian Smith, in guiding corporate strategy. Serving viewers in nearly every major U.S. metropolitan area, Sinclair maintains a commitment to localism in its programming while exploring new digital initiatives designed to enhance viewer choice and advertiser value.
