NEW YORK & BALTIMORE - Sinclair Broadcast (NASDAQ:SBGI) Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SBGI) and NBCUniversal have reached a multi-year agreement to renew NBC affiliations for 21 of Sinclair’s television stations, a move that ensures continued access to NBC programming for nearly 7 million U.S. households. The deal includes Sinclair-owned and operated as well as partner stations managed under joint sales and service agreements.
The renewals encompass a diverse group of markets, including WOAI in San Antonio, TX; KSNV in Las Vegas, NV; and WJAR in Providence, RI. Other Sinclair-operated NBC affiliates covered by the agreement are located in Toledo, OH; Syracuse, NY; the Tri-Cities region of TN-VA; Tallahassee, FL; and Johnstown-Altoona, PA, among others.
This renewal agreement, based on a press release statement, ensures that Sinclair’s stations will maintain their connection with NBCUniversal, allowing them to continue offering key network programming to viewers across the United States. While the company operates with a significant debt burden of $4.3 billion, its current ratio of 1.91 indicates sufficient liquidity to meet short-term obligations. For detailed analysis and comprehensive insights, investors can access the full InvestingPro Research Report, part of our coverage of over 1,400 US equities. While the company operates with a significant debt burden of $4.3 billion, its current ratio of 1.91 indicates sufficient liquidity to meet short-term obligations. For detailed analysis and comprehensive insights, investors can access the full InvestingPro Research Report, part of our coverage of over 1,400 US equities.
Will Bell, Senior Vice President and Head of Distribution and Network Relations at Sinclair, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that it solidifies the role of Sinclair’s stations in delivering quality content and services to their communities. The agreement is seen as a testament to the shared success and mutual value between Sinclair and NBC.
Phil Martzolf, President of Affiliate Relations at NBCUniversal, expressed enthusiasm for the continued collaboration, highlighting popular NBC programming like "Sunday Night Football" and "TODAY," as well as upcoming events such as the NBA’s return, "Saturday Night Live’s" 50th anniversary, and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Sinclair Broadcast Group is a major media company that owns or operates 185 television stations in 86 markets, and provides a range of local news and sports content. NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA), is a global leader in media and entertainment, distributing a wide array of content through its various platforms.
This renewal agreement, based on a press release statement, ensures that Sinclair’s stations will maintain their connection with NBCUniversal, allowing them to continue offering key network programming to viewers across the United States.
In other recent news, Sinclair, Inc. reported robust financial results for the third quarter of 2024, buoyed by political advertising revenue, which hit a record $138 million. While core advertising growth was modest at 1%, consolidated media revenues saw a significant 20% increase, reaching $908 million. The company’s adjusted EBITDA also soared by 72% compared to the previous year, standing at $249 million, and its cash holdings rose to $334 million.
Sinclair also announced partnerships for live sports content and launched two sports podcasts, while anticipating the launch of the Tennis Channel’s direct-to-consumer product. The company has secured multi-year agreements with Altice and DirecTV, covering over 78% of subscribers, and expects net retransmission revenues to grow through 2025.
Looking ahead, Sinclair forecasts mid-single-digit CAGR for net retransmission revenues through 2025 and significant growth in political advertising leading into the 2026 mid-terms and 2028 presidential elections. For Q4, the company anticipates media revenues between $992 million and $1 billion, with political revenues expected at approximately $204 million. Despite minor setbacks, Sinclair remains optimistic about future growth opportunities.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.