KDSM
The Sinclair Broadcast Group (SBG) is the operator of the largest number of local television stations in the United States, with a total of 62 stations across the country in 39 different broadcast markets. Broadcasts by SBG stations can be received by 24 percent of American households.
Many stations are owned outright by the company, but many others are affiliated through local marketing agreements, or LMAs. The stations are affiliates of various television networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, UPN, and the WB. Two of the stations are independents.
SBG has been compared to the radio conglomerate Clear Channel Communications, and programming produced by the group is considered to have a right-wing slant. The company originated in 1971 as a UHF station in Baltimore, Maryland.
| Network | # Stations
|
| Fox | 20
|
| WB | 19
|
| ABC | 8
|
| UPN | 6
|
| NBC | 4
|
| CBS | 3
|
| Independent | 2
|
SBG has experimented with using a centralized news organization called "NewsCentral" that provides pre-packaged news segments for distribution to several of the group's stations. These segments are integrated into programming during local news broadcasts. Mark Hyman, a high-ranking executive at SBG, also creates editorial segments called "the Point" that are broadcast on all of the group's stations.
In 2004, the media group attracted controversy when it decided that eight ABC stations it owned would not broadcast an April 30 airing of a Nightline tribute to the 721 soldiers killed in the 2003 invasion and occupation would be aired.
The group issued a statement that said in part, "The action appears to be motivated by a political agenda designed to undermine the efforts of the United States in Iraq." ABC responded, saying that the program was meant to be an expression of respect which seeks to honor those who have laid down their lives for this country."
For differing reasons, the decision to not air the episode attracted criticism both from supporters and opponents of the Iraq war. Affected stations were in the markets in the following areas:
WTXL in Tallahassee, Florida, owned by Media Venture Management and part of an outsourcing agreement with SBG, decided to air the program.
Stations operated by SBG
- (L) – Local marketing agreement
(O) – Outsourcing agreement
