Throughout our history, Sinclair Broadcast Group has been at the forefront of industry-changing events and technological advances. Our vision and first-to-market mentality drives our ‘next generation’ thinking; stimulating conversations, innovating through our expertise, and advocating for the development of technology and evolving business models.
Our History
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2010’s
Recognizing the benefits of scale and reach, Sinclair led the next wave of industry consolidation. As its platform grew and viewing patterns evolved, Sinclair launched its Digital platform, emerging network and other original content. It was during this time that David Smith’s vision for the mobility and portability of the television signal took hold as the industry coalesced around the need for ATSC 3.0.
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2000’s
With the television platform in place, Sinclair turned its efforts to repositioning the Company for future growth, both operationally and technologically. It was during this time that Sinclair launched the country’s first digital sub-channel using syndicated programming, pioneered retransmission consent fees, and led the industry movement for mobility and portability of the broadcast television signal. The decade also gave witness to the transition from analogue to digital television, as well as two of the country’s worst recessions: 9/11 and the Great Recession.
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1990’s
With David Smith as CEO, the Smith family vision was beginning to take hold as the Company grew from 3 television stations to 59, becoming the largest broadcaster in the country. It was during this time that the Company went public, the Telecommunications Act was passed and the transition from analog to digital television began.
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1980’s
Julian and his four sons (David, Fred, Duncan and Rob) combined the operations of their then three independent UHF television stations in Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Columbus under Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., appointing their long-term partner, Robert “Bob” Simmons as the Company’s first President and CEO.
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1970’s
The founding of Sinclair Broadcast Group began with Julian Sinclair Smith, father and patriarch to the Smith brothers, our major shareholders. Julian had a vision that was accurate and prescient, seeing the emergence of FM radio and UHF television as emerging technologies.
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