Sinclair...Again

[tyrannical bastard 3951]

 

Didn't Scripps tie the carriage of HGTV with their over-the-air stations when HGTV was getting started? This doesn't seem that different (other than Scripps also using its cablesystems, which Sinclair lacks).

 

I think so, but this was back in the days before digital cable existed in many places and there was plenty of room for new channels.

 

Also, the cable companies weren't the goliaths that they are today. Sinclair has the odds heavily stacked against them, especially in this day in age when retrans revenue is the corporate welfare that keeps broadcasting alive.

They're in the same position as Al Jazeera America, The Tennis Channel, and Ovation since they're not owned by Comcast, Time Warner, Viacom, etc....

[GoldenShine9 1513]

From what I have read, all these acquisitions have been entirely funded by debt - they added over $4 billion in the last 2 years alone. And they say they have room for another $2 billion in acquisitions or more?

[channel2 979]

Sinclair's got no bargaining chip like ESPN, either.

 

It's stupid how Sinclair is willing to get so deep into debt. Weren't they teetering on the edge of bankruptcy back in 2009?

[TSSZNews 1051]

A lot are forgetting that we likely have a spectrum auction coming up fairly soon. Part of me wonders if Sinclair is gobbling up all these stations in the interest of cashing in come late 2014/2015. I imagine the owner of 150 or so TV stations could get a good bit of money for even a part of all that spectrum--maybe even enough to wipe out a large portion of that debt.

 

In that respect, Sinclair probably knows what it's doing.

[mattLAW 2]

Even though Sinclair is the biggest television broadcaster in the US, I see them having difficulty competing against the extremely deep pockets of Time Warner, 21st Century Fox and Comcast. I think if David Smith and company pursue this "national cable news" strategy, it might be the first nail in the financial coffin of the company.

[CircleSeven 1955]

A lot are forgetting that we likely have a spectrum auction coming up fairly soon. Part of me wonders if Our Lord and Savior is gobbling up all these stations in the interest of cashing in come late 2014/2015. I imagine the owner of 150 or so TV stations could get a good bit of money for even a part of all that spectrum--maybe even enough to wipe out a large portion of that debt.

 

In that respect, Our Lord and Savior probably knows what it's doing.

At least, I'm not forgetting those upcoming incentive auctions (maybe as early as this time next year). But I don't see him selling any of his spectrum (that doesn't me he ain't going to do it). He even stated that he would buy spectrum in a forward auction to use it for mobile use (after the reverse auction gets finish). He's also thinking about the next television standard (ATSC 3.0 or whatever). But I think he'll probably give it up if it's his last resort, like if no one else is selling the spectrum. But I don't see S!nclair as a speculator. I don't see them being another NRJ or LocusPoint or OTA Broadcasting in any stretch of the imagination. TVNewsCheck stated in May that their spectrum valued is 35%. So if it were a speculator, they would be easily be on the drivers seat. But like I stated, I don't see them as them giving up their airspace, yet they did gave up one station to a speculator (WLWC Providence), and that doesn't mean they won't do it, leading up to auction time.

[CircleSeven 1955]

 

Okay. Something Got Approved Today.

 

The FCC has greenlighted the Transfer Of Control of KDBC from Titan Broadcast Management to Cunningham Broadcasting.

 

And just like that, the sale of KDBC to has been consummated.

 

Usually I see the notes after midnight, when the new apps get posted on the FCC site. But as you see the date clearly states 07/31/2013, this is the first time I see a consummation note being posted mid-day.

 

Now the question is when KDBC will consolidate with KFOX? Will both stations move a new building like they said next year? First when the SSA between KDBC & KTSM expire? We just have wait and see if everything gets sorted out before Nexstar closes in on the ComCorp stations.

[hathawaynson2 39]

 

National News Channel is exactly the words I did not want to hear.

 

Not only because of the expense, but now you'll have corporate telling NDs and GMs, "uh, hey, here's the content from Sinclair News Channel, we want this to fill half your newscast". Or, "you're looking for a new chief meteorologist? Here, use this blonde chick with the big boobs we just hired for Sinclair News. She'll work out of DC.

 

...NewsCentral 2.0. It's a matter of when now.

 

hmmm..I would imanging this by about the time that News Channel 8 will be the property of Sinclair! Eventually NewsCentral 2.0 will eventually become an All News Channel situation with excessive amounts of commentary with Mark Hyman and Armstrong "Uncle Tom" Williams.

 

Sinclair's got no bargaining chip like ESPN, either.

 

It's stupid how Sinclair is willing to get so deep into debt. Weren't they teetering on the edge of bankruptcy back in 2009?

 

Yes, because Cunningham Broadcasting was near bankruptcy at this point because of if they defaulted on their loans, then Sinclair would've been forced to file a chapter 11 bankruptcy. Anyway,what they should've done is sell off stations that were non performing to keep up with their checkbooks just in case if they decide to go on a "Texas-Style Shopping Spree" on TV stations in a occasion. Personally, I think that Sinclair should've invested more money into the news operations.

[GoldenShine9 1513]

With the Gannett-Belo, Tribune-Local TV and Media General-Young deals all getting dockets, I wonder why none with Sinclair's many moves? Perhaps the FCC is taking a close look at them and might deny them?

[Samantha 2895]

One of the greatest challenges that Sinclair will face is consolidating all of these new stations, standardizing management style, etc.

 

SBGI has transformed itself from a company operating a lot of stations for some period of time into a veritable patchwork. They've bought from Newport, Titan, Allbritton, Fisher and a host of other companies, all of whom have different workflows, management, technical equipment, and so on. There are new virtual and real duopolies, some of which need consolidation.

 

SBGI has expanded its breadth. Next task, add some depth.

[Mrtraveler01 738]

One of the greatest challenges that Sinclair will face is consolidating all of these new stations, standardizing management style, etc.

-

SBGI has transformed itself from a company operating a lot of stations for some period of time into a veritable patchwork. They've bought from Newport, Titan, Allbritton, Fisher and a host of other companies, all of whom have different workflows, management, technical equipment, and so on. There are new virtual and real duopolies, some of which need consolidation.

 

SBGI has expanded its breadth. Next task, add some depth.

And considering how well they did transitioning stations like WKRC and WOAI to the sinclair website template and app, it should be an entertaining disaster to watch.

 

I feel sorry for the stations caught in the middle of it.

[sanewsguy 511]

 

Now the question is when KDBC will consolidate with KFOX? Will both stations move a new building like they said next year? First when the SSA between KDBC & KTSM expire? We just have wait and see if everything gets sorted out before Nexstar closes in on the ComCorp stations.

 

There might be hope. Sinclair hasn't even started on KABB's building yet and that needs a lot work done to it to accommodate the two stations (and S.A. Living would likely lose its separate set due to lack of space). Their goal was to have it done by the 4th quarter. Yeah, right. Not at the rate they're going. Maybe they've rethought it...

[susquvalleywgal 517]

Sinclair News Channel = FOX NEWS CHANNEL #2. Sad days indeed.

 

-- matt

[Mrtraveler01 738]

 

There might be hope. Sinclair hasn't even started on KABB's building yet and that needs a lot work done to it to accommodate the two stations (and S.A. Living would likely lose its separate set due to lack of space). Their goal was to have it done by the 4th quarter. Yeah, right. Not at the rate they're going. Maybe they've rethought it...

 

Like I said, Sinclair can't even integrate their newly acquired stations onto their Apps and web templates without screwing it up. I have a feeling that this integration process will be very long, very drawn out, very riddled with delays. They are growing so fast they can't even keep up and it shows and will ultimately come back to haunt them later.

 

I will be shocked if Sinclair has enough money at the end.

[GoldenShine9 1513]

 

Sinclair News Channel = FOX NEWS CHANNEL #2. Sad days indeed.

 

-- matt

 

In your market, this could be huge for WGAL especially if they try to build an audience up in the northern part of the market, they could literally be the death star in the market.

[Rusty Muck 4374]

Sinclair News Channel = FOX NEWS CHANNEL #2. Sad days indeed.

 

-- matt

It will likely be a knockoff of Sun News Channel, which is itself a Canadian knockoff of Fox News.

[NewsMaster 226]

Okay looking through the paperwork Tonight, it appears another firm is going to buy KIDK Idaho Falls.

 

KIDK is being sold by VistaWest Media, LLC. The paperwork didn't state the purchase price.

Good. That keeps Sinclair's grubby hands off of KIDK.

[GoldenShine9 1513]

 

Good. That keeps Sinclair's grubby hands off of KIDK.

 

Could they be acquiring the LMA of that though?

[CircleSeven 1955]

Could they be acquiring the LMA of that though?

It's been explained and caught by sanewsguy, that VistaWest is the shell of NPG. NPG proper owns KIFI. VistaWest will own KIDK, so VistaWest would form an LMA with NPG. So basically Sinclair won't have anything to do with either station at this point. I assume since NPG would become the 'senior' partner of the LMA, Sinclair probably wouldn't want to dance to their music. Or what Raymie explained it better than me.

 

It was probably more of a deal that Sinclair knew it wouldn't have much operational control of KIDK and/or NPG had a clause to buy KIDK through a shell in case Fisher was sold.

Okay looking through the paperwork Tonight, it appears another firm is going to buy KIDK Idaho Falls.

 

KIDK is being sold by VistaWest Media, LLC. The paperwork didn't state the purchase price.

Okay, From one of the attachments of the paperwork, which I didn't see at first (my error), the purchase price is that VistaWest (NPG) will pay Fisher $5.9M ($5,924,907).

[stevieboy247 42]

With the license assets of WHP being sold, it makes me wonder what'll happen with the relationship between WHP and WLYH?

 

I know WLYH is not for sale or anything, but I have a pretty gutsy feeling that WHTM might take over production of their newscasts once the sale to Sinclair is complete.

[Leavellebrett 85]

 

With the license assets of WHP being sold, it makes me wonder what'll happen with the relationship between WHP and WLYH?

 

I know WLYH is not for sale or anything, but I have a pretty gutsy feeling that WHTM might take over production of their newscasts once the sale to Sinclair is complete.

 

Is Sinclair not just sending WHP to Deerfield or Cunningham? In that case, it's more of a concern of whose newscast is staying, 21 or 27?

[sanewsguy 511]

 

Is Sinclair not just sending WHP to Deerfield or Cunningham? In that case, it's more of a concern of whose newscast is staying, 21 or 27?

 

Judging by how they've handled S.A., maybe both stay (for now). Obviously WHP's GM stays on and WHTM's goes, but everything else is status quo for now. The even funner part is that these two are literally across the street from the other. It'll be interesting to see how they handle that...

[CircleSeven 1955]

From a couple of articles, posted on the day of the announcement last Monday, including thehill.com, it appears that "Uncle Tom" states that he have strong interest in the "semi"-divested stations in Charleston, SC and in Harrisburg, PA. Yeah as long as he kiss "Massa Devil" David Smith's ass. Speaking of kissing ass, if you think this is bad, this article even has a picture of both Uncle Tom and "Massa" Devil sitting next to each other in Maine on the weekend before what David said was the "Once In A Lifetime" announcement.

 

Here's a vid of what that "Uncle Tom" said as he explained his reasoning as to why he wanted to buy these TV assets.

 

Fast forward to the 5:45 mark.

Video courtesy of Newsmax's YT Page.

 

You know, I have that understanding that the minority ownership in the United States is slim to zilch. I stated that back in April. I would be more happy if Armstrong would get the stations, and operate it under his own volition, under his own stewardship, under his own direction, under their own capital, without any sort of association of that Devil, or any other massive group for that matter. But Hell No. Now he wants to/already tied-in to the Devil's BS by being his puppet/guinea pig/asskisser and to follow the Devil's agendas (it doesn't matter since both share similar political views, so they pucker up anyway), so David can please the FCC, so he can say one of my proxy company owners is a minority, since the FCC have been very vocal about the media ownership have a strong lack of minority and female owners. Oh and another thing. If Williams is entrepreneur, why he isn't buying TV stations under his own volition and not on the aid of the Massa Devil? He basically wants to buy a station that parallels a Sinclair station.

 

When we going to see when the media ownership shifts, where we see more minorities (especially more Black and Hispanic owners) own a piece of the airspace, and operate under their own stewardship & capital, and not playing the shell game like this "Uncle Tom" is doing.

[swillh2k2 203]

 

From a couple of articles, posted on the day of the announcement last Monday, including thehill.com, it appears that "Uncle Tom" states that he have strong interest in the "semi"-divested stations in Charleston, SC and in Harrisburg, PA. Yeah as long as he kiss "Massa Devil" David Smith's ass. Speaking of kissing ass, if you think this is bad, this article even has a picture of both Uncle Tom and "Massa" Devil sitting next to each other in Maine on the weekend before what David said was the "Once In A Lifetime" announcement.

 

Here's a vid of what that "Uncle Tom" said as he explained his reasoning as to why he wanted to buy these TV assets.

 

Fast forward to the 5:45 mark.

Video courtesy of Newsmax's YT Page.

 

You know, I have that understanding that the minority ownership in the United States is slim to zilch. I stated that back in April. I would be more happy if Armstrong would get the stations, and operate it under his own volition, under his own stewardship, under his own direction, under their own capital, without any sort of association of that Devil, or any other massive group for that matter. But Hell No. Now he wants to/already tied-in to the Devil's BS by being his puppet/guinea pig/asskisser and to follow the Devil's agendas (it doesn't matter since both share similar political views, so they pucker up anyway), so David can please the FCC, so he can say one of my proxy company owners is a minority, since the FCC have been very vocal about the media ownership have a strong lack of minority and female owners. Oh and another thing. If Williams is entrepreneur, why he isn't buying TV stations under his own volition and not on the aid of the Massa Devil? He basically wants to buy a station that parallels a Sinclair station.

 

When we going to see when the media ownership shifts, where we see more minorities (especially more Black and Hispanic owners) own a piece of the airspace, and operate under their own stewardship & capital, and not playing the shell game like this "Uncle Tom" is doing.

 

I'm sure Armstrong Williams has the right to do what he wants with the stations with whoever's help he wants. Whether it's so David Smith can "please the FCC" is up for debate.

Can we please put aside the silly "Massa Devil" and "Uncle Tom" comments aside, by the way?

[hathawaynson2 39]

 

I'm sure Armstrong Williams has the right to do what he wants with the stations with whoever's help he wants. Whether it's so David Smith can "please the FCC" is up for debate.

Can we please put aside the silly "Massa Devil" and "Uncle Tom" comments aside, by the way?

 

yes on putting the "Massa David" and "Uncle Tom" comments aside.

However, what do you mean by "please the FCC" is up for debate? I thought it was the stations in question that he had license renewals dismissed or denied there for a moment.