Sinclair Broadcast Group

Definition

Sinclair Broadcast Group is a major American telecommunications conglomerate that operates numerous television stations across the United States, primarily affiliated with the ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX networks. It is known for its influence on local news coverage and programming, as well as its controversial political content, which can impact the factors that determine what news is deemed important and newsworthy in various markets.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sinclair Broadcast Group owns or operates over 190 television stations in more than 100 markets across the United States, making it one of the largest broadcast companies in the country.
2. The company has been criticized for its conservative political stance and for requiring its stations to air promotional segments that align with its viewpoints, often referred to as 'must-run' segments.
3. Sinclair's influence extends to local news broadcasts, which can shape public perceptions of newsworthiness based on their editorial decisions.
4. In 2017, Sinclair announced plans to acquire Tribune Media, which would have significantly increased its reach; however, the merger was ultimately blocked due to regulatory concerns.
5. Sinclair Broadcast Group has invested in technology and infrastructure to expand its digital footprint, including online streaming services and local news apps.

Review Questions

• How does Sinclair Broadcast Group influence local news coverage and what implications does this have for newsworthiness?
  • Sinclair Broadcast Group significantly influences local news coverage by owning a large number of television stations that produce local content. Their editorial choices and 'must-run' segments often shape what stories are highlighted or downplayed, impacting public perception of which issues are considered newsworthy. This centralized control over local news can lead to a homogenization of content that may not fully represent diverse community interests.
• Discuss the impact of media consolidation, particularly through companies like Sinclair Broadcast Group, on the diversity of news coverage in the U.S.
  • Media consolidation, exemplified by companies like Sinclair Broadcast Group, reduces the number of independent voices in journalism. As more stations are owned by a handful of conglomerates, the diversity of viewpoints in news coverage diminishes. This concentration can lead to a lack of competition among media outlets, resulting in similar narratives being presented across different markets and limiting the range of stories that are deemed newsworthy.
• Evaluate the role of Sinclair Broadcast Group in shaping the public agenda through its news programming and political content.
  • Sinclair Broadcast Group plays a critical role in shaping the public agenda by curating its news programming and political content. Through strategic editorial decisions and the promotion of certain narratives via its wide-reaching television stations, Sinclair can influence public discourse on key issues. This power raises questions about objectivity and fairness in journalism, particularly regarding how certain topics are prioritized or marginalized within their broadcast content.

Related terms

Local News: News coverage that focuses on events and issues pertinent to a specific community or region, often presented by local television stations.

Media Consolidation:

The process by which fewer corporations own and control a larger share of media outlets, impacting diversity of perspectives and news coverage.

News Agenda Setting: The process through which media organizations influence the public agenda by selecting which stories to cover and how to present them.