Sinclair (NASDAQ:SBGI) Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI) is a media and entertainment company headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Founded in 1971 as a single UHF television station operator, Sinclair has grown through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion to become one of the largest owners of local television stations in the United States. Over its history, the company has pursued a diversified portfolio that includes both traditional broadcast assets and newer digital platforms.
At its core, Sinclair operates over 190 television stations affiliated with the major national broadcast networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW and MyNetworkTV. In addition to its local news and entertainment programming, Sinclair owns and operates a slate of sports networks—previously under the Bally Sports banner—and the Tennis Channel, offering regional and national sports coverage. The company also develops and distributes a suite of digital multicast networks such as Comet, Charge!, and TBD, providing genre-focused content that ranges from science fiction and action to lifestyle and local community programming.
Beyond station ownership, Sinclair has invested in national news production and podcasting. In 2021, the company launched “The National Desk,” a daily, morning and evening broadcast news program designed for distribution across its station group. Sinclair’s digital division supports streaming services, mobile apps, and local news websites, enabling viewers to access live and on-demand content. This blend of linear broadcasting and digital delivery positions Sinclair to serve audiences seeking both traditional television viewing and increasingly popular online platforms.
Sinclair’s leadership team is headed by Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ripley, who was appointed in 2017 after a long tenure with the company in various senior roles. Executive Chairman David D. Smith, Sinclair’s co-founder, remains involved in strategic oversight. Together, the management team emphasizes operational efficiency, localism in news and sports coverage, and continued growth via acquisitions and digital innovation. Sinclair’s footprint spans nearly every U.S. state, making it a significant presence in the American broadcast landscape.
