Who Owns Sinclair Broadcast Group? Everything You Need to Know

Many people are asking: who owns Sinclair Broadcast Group? Sinclair is one of the biggest television station operators in the United States. The company has shaped local and national broadcasting for decades and remains a key player in the media industry.

Understanding who controls Sinclair is important. The company has faced scrutiny over politics, mergers, and network disputes. It operates in more than 80 U.S. markets, so its decisions impact millions of viewers.

Ownership of Sinclair Broadcast Group

Sinclair Broadcast Group, now known simply as Sinclair, Inc., was founded in 1971 as Chesapeake Television Corporation. It later became Sinclair Broadcast Group before adopting its current name in 2023. The company trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol SBGI.

Sinclair is still controlled by the Smith family, who founded the company. Although it is publicly traded, the Smith family maintains voting control through special share structures. David D. Smith, son of founder Julian Sinclair Smith, led the company as CEO from 1988 and remains a central figure in its direction.

Current CEO Christopher S. Ripley oversees operations, but the Smith family influence remains strong. As of September 2025, Sinclair had a market capitalization of about $984 million with a share price around $14.23. Its annual revenue was reported at $3.48 billion, with earnings per share at $0.89.

According to Associated Press and Reuters reports, Sinclair is the second-largest U.S. broadcaster by station ownership. It owns, operates, or provides services to 178 television stations in 81 markets. The company also owns the Tennis Channel, digital networks like Charge and Comet, and has interests in sports through Bally Sports (regional networks acquired in 2019).

Ownership matters because Sinclair has often been described as conservative-leaning. BBC News has reported on its history of running editorials and scripted commentary that aligned with right-leaning politics. This editorial direction, combined with its large reach, makes its ownership structure a frequent subject of discussion.

Impact and Recent Controversies

In 2025, Sinclair gained national attention after it joined Nexstar Media in refusing to air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following controversial remarks made by the late-night host. Sinclair also called for additional FCC oversight, citing broadcaster responsibility.

Beyond programming disputes, Sinclair has pursued major deals. In 2017 it tried to buy Tribune Media, but regulators blocked the $3.9 billion merger. In 2025, it proposed merging with Tegna in a new strategic move. These attempts show how ownership and expansion efforts continue to shape the company’s influence.

In short, Sinclair Broadcast Group is publicly traded but remains under the Smith family’s strong control. Understanding who owns Sinclair explains why it acts the way it does, both in politics and in business strategy.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who owns Sinclair Broadcast Group in 2025?

The Smith family maintains control through special shares. It is publicly traded as SBGI on Nasdaq.

Q2: Is Sinclair privately owned?

No, Sinclair is a public company. But its founding family still holds majority voting power.

Q3: Does Sinclair own ABC?

No. Sinclair owns local ABC affiliates but not the ABC network itself, which is owned by Disney.

Q4: What is Sinclair’s political reputation?

Sinclair is widely seen as conservative-leaning. It has drawn attention for scripted commentary and editorial choices.

Q5: What companies has Sinclair tried to buy?

Sinclair attempted to acquire Tribune Media in 2017. In 2025, it proposed merging with Tegna.

References

Reuters. (2025). Sinclair corporate reports and market data.

Associated Press. (2025). Sinclair broadcast coverage and controversies.

BBC News. (2025). Sinclair editorial practices and U.S. broadcasting impact.