Sinclair, Inc. reports news across its diversified media business, including local television stations affiliated with major broadcast networks, Tennis Channel, multicast networks CHARGE, Comet, ROAR and The Nest, and AMP Media digital content and podcasts. Company updates commonly address advertising revenue, distribution revenue, political advertising cycles, live sports programming, station operations and portfolio actions involving media or broadcast-technology assets.
Recurring Sinclair announcements also include quarterly financial results, cash dividends on its Class A and Class B common stock, debt and liquidity actions, investor conference participation, and community initiatives under the Sinclair Cares brand.
WGME CBS 13, a Sinclair Broadcast Group affiliate, has won the prestigious Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Award for its work on the Veterans Crisis Line. Reporter Jon Chrisos and the I-Team uncovered critical flaws in the hotline's geolocation technology, which led to emergency responders being dispatched incorrectly. Their findings prompted Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to propose amendments to enhance funding for the hotline’s technology. This recognition marks WGME as the first Maine-based television station to receive the IRE Award, highlighting the significance of local news.
Bally's Corporation (NYSE: BALY) announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sinclair Broadcast Group (NASDAQ: SBGI) on April 12, 2021. This partnership will focus on producing and broadcasting Bally's content on Sinclair's 19 regional sports networks, now called Bally Sports. The collaboration aims to enhance live sports engagement through interactive programming and support the launch of the Bally Bet app, reducing reliance on advertising. Both companies will also explore additional programming opportunities across Sinclair's media platforms.
Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced that its subsidiary, Sinclair Television Group, has executed a Third Amendment to its Seventh Amended Credit Agreement. This amendment extends the maturity of a portion of its term loan B-1 tranche due January 3, 2024. Sinclair incurred new term loans totaling $740 million to partially refinance the existing debt. These new loans will mature on April 1, 2028, with interest rates at LIBOR plus 3.00% or base rate plus 2.00%. This amendment reflects Sinclair's ongoing financial strategy amidst various operational risks and market uncertainties.
Sinclair Broadcast Group (NASDAQ: SBGI) and Bally's Corporation (NYSE: BALY) have officially rebranded Sinclair's regional sports networks as Bally Sports. This change follows their strategic partnership announced in November 2020. The rebranding aims to enhance viewer engagement with innovative sports experiences, set to begin in time for Major League Baseball's season start on April 1. Bally's has secured naming rights for 19 RSNs and plans to launch a Bally Sports app, providing subscribers access to local teams and live games. More upgrades, including gamification features, are planned in the future.
Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) and ONE Media 3.0 commend TSDSI and ATSC for their agreement to adopt ATSC standards for mobile broadcast in India. This initiative leverages the world's first IP-based TV standard, ATSC 3.0, to enhance mobile reception for the vast user base in India. It incorporates advancements like improved spectrum efficiency and synchronicity with 5G telecom services. The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has recognized ATSC 3.0 as a key emerging standard for 5G broadcasting, further validating its business case through proof-of-concept trials.
Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sinclair Television Group, intends to amend and extend its term loan B-1 tranche. This includes refinancing to create new term loans with a maturity of seven years post-amendment.
This amendment is contingent on market and customary closing conditions. The company warns that various risks, including COVID-19 impacts and regulatory challenges, may affect the execution and future performance of this financial strategy.
Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share for its Class A and Class B common stock. This dividend is set to be paid on March 24, 2021, to shareholders on record as of March 10, 2021. Sinclair continues to be a significant player in the media landscape, operating 21 regional sports network brands and 186 television stations across 87 markets, delivering content through various platforms including digital.
Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) reported a 7% decline in Q4 revenue year-over-year, totaling $1,512 million, despite a significant rise in political advertising due to the election cycle. Operating income rose to $641 million from $322 million, while net income surged to $467 million compared to $44 million previously. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 37% to $617 million. Looking ahead, Sinclair is optimistic about 2021 with new agreements in sports betting and content distribution, alongside a revamped streaming app for regional sports networks.
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Bally's Corporation announced the launch of the new Bally Sports logo, replacing the existing FOX Sports branding for Sinclair's regional sports networks (RSNs). The rebranding aims to create a cohesive partnership and enhance the viewer experience. The transition includes new geographic names for specific RSNs and the discontinuation of some part-time channels to streamline offerings. The partnership, announced in November 2020, plans to revolutionize U.S. sports betting and gamification content, integrating Bally's unique offerings with Sinclair's live coverage.
Sinclair Broadcast Group (NASDAQ: SBGI) announced the appointment of Jeffrey Lewis as Chief Compliance Officer, a new role aimed at strengthening corporate compliance functions. Lewis will oversee areas such as regulatory adherence, code of conduct, and privacy, reporting directly to President and CEO Chris Ripley. His extensive experience includes senior compliance roles at AT&T and legal expertise from the SEC. Lewis aims to enhance existing compliance practices amid increased regulatory scrutiny. Sinclair's diverse media operations include 188 television stations and multiple regional sports networks.