Sinclair Stock Price, News & Analysis

On August 10, 2020, Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced a settlement of three derivative lawsuits alleging breaches of fiduciary duties related to its failed merger with Tribune Media. The settlement includes a $20.5 million payment from insurers, with $5 million allocated for corporate governance measures over five years. Key governance changes will involve new board committees and a dedicated Chief Compliance Officer. The settlement must receive final court approval on October 27, 2020, to dismiss the lawsuits and release the defendants from any claims.

On August 5, 2020, Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share for its Class A and Class B common stock. This dividend will be paid on September 15, 2020, to shareholders recorded by the close of business on September 1, 2020. Sinclair is a major media company operating 191 television stations in 89 markets and 23 regional sports networks, delivering content through various platforms, including digital.

Sinclair Broadcast Group (SBGI) reported strong financial results for Q2 2020, with total revenue climbing 66% to $1,283 million, boosted by the acquisition of 21 RSNs. Operating income surged 364% to $492 million, while Adjusted EBITDA rose 31% to $254 million. The net income attributable to Sinclair stood at $252 million, up from $42 million last year, and diluted earnings per share increased to $3.12. Despite the pandemic's impact on advertising, trends showed improvement, particularly in July, with a significant reduction in revenue decline.

On July 28, 2020, seven local television stations in Portland, Oregon, including KATU, KOIN, and KGW, launched NEXTGEN TV, a groundbreaking digital broadcast technology. This technology enhances viewing experiences with features like 4K video, immersive audio, and advanced emergency alerts. Supported by ATSC 3.0, the deployment represents a significant upgrade in broadcast capabilities and positions the stations to offer targeted advertising and internet-based content. The launch follows extensive planning and development led by BitPath.

Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) has announced the promotion of Jennifer Rieffer to Vice President/General Manager for WSMH (FOX) in Flint, Michigan, effective August 3, 2020. Rieffer previously served as Vice President/General Manager of WDKY (FOX) in Lexington, KY, where she had a successful 25-year career at Sinclair. The announcement highlights her experience and the potential for growth in Flint under her leadership. Sinclair Broadcast Group continues to be a major player in local sports and news, operating 191 television stations across 89 markets.

On July 21, 2020, Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced Scott Shapiro's appointment as Chief Strategy Officer/Sports alongside his role as Chief Development Officer. This newly created position focuses on managing strategic initiatives, exploring organic opportunities, and enhancing value across Sinclair's sports platform. Shapiro will collaborate with leadership across various channels and manage rights acquisitions. He has been with Sinclair since 2011 and has played a key role in developing the company into a diversified media entity.

Sinclair Broadcast Group (NASDAQ: SBGI) appointed Steve Rosenberg as president of local sports, effective September 1, 2020. With over 30 years of experience, Rosenberg will oversee regional sports networks, the Stadium digital channel, and high school sports. He previously held executive roles at Universal Studios, advancing its television distribution. Sinclair's CEO highlighted Rosenberg's entrepreneurial mindset and pivotal role in shaping TV distribution. Rosenberg is set to enhance Sinclair's sports presence, reporting to Rob Weisbord, president of broadcast and chief advertising revenue officer.

Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) will announce its Q2 2020 earnings on August 5, 2020, at 7:30 a.m. ET. Following the earnings report, a conference call will take place at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results. Interested parties can access the call via live webcast at www.sbgi.net, using the dial-in number 877-407-8033. A replay will be available on the website post-call. Media members are invited for a listen-only experience, with time for questions from executives afterward.

On June 30, 2020, four leading television stations in Salt Lake City—KUTV, KTVX, KUCW, and KJZZ-TV—launched NEXTGEN TV, a transformative digital broadcast technology powered by ATSC 3.0. This upgrade allows for enhanced features like 4K video, immersive audio, and advanced emergency alerts. The collaborative effort among the stations aims to maintain programming access for all viewers, regardless of their service method. Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar aim to accelerate the rollout of NEXTGEN TV, enhancing viewer experience and advertising capabilities.