Sinclair, Tribune Close to Merger Deal

[tyrannical bastard 3953]

Bottom line, someone has to sell in OKC. There's no way Sinclair can keep their stations and absorb the Tribune ones. It will probably come down to profit and if it's worth "Sinclair-izing" in the long run.

 

I can only wonder if Little Rock and Mobile were reversed...eventually divestiture would have come up. But by the way things worked out, Sinclair benefited in Little Rock with KATV and Nexstar benefited with WKRG and WFNA in Mobile.

[Weeters 1916]

I'm going to start threadbanning people who make it clear they are unnecessarily emotionally invested in this matter.

 

There is NO REASON anyone on this site other than people actually WORKING at Tribune need to get as worked up over this as some appear to be getting.

 

The facts are simple. Sinclair wants to buy Tribune and Sinclair is sucking up to the people in government that can make this easy for them. If they absolutely must, Sinclair is probably going to spin off or sell current stations in markets where they own too many stations.

 

I get it. People don't like Sinclair. But until you have a job on the line, PLEASE:

 

1. Stop.

2. Take a breath.

3. Watch

or something else to calm yourself down.

4. Reconsider if this deal really impacts your life in any meaningful way.

 

Anyone getting angry and attacking other members about this will earn a thread ban for sure and a maybe a temporary site suspension depending on how severe it is.

 

[oklahomanewsman 210]

The key will be when the paperwork is filed with the FCC in a few weeks.

And we have ZERO idea what might happen in the conflict markets and I say if I were to give the highest probability of news operation consolidation that would be in Scranton (WNEP/WOLF) Harrisburg (WHP/WPMT) with the 2nd highest chance, Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo (WXMI/WWMT) with a medium chance of consolidation

 

Markets with higher probability of not consolidationg (sold off to another company):

St. Louis and Greensboro (KDNL/KTVI/KPLR and WXLV/WGHP) with the mediam chance since how neither KDNL or WXLV have a full functioning News Department whereas KTVI/KPLR and WGHP does, Salt Lake City (KSTU/KUTV), Seattle-Tacoma (KOMO/KCPQ) and Oklahoma City (KFOR/KOKH) with the least likely chance of newsroom consolidation.

 

It all might change some so stay tuned

 

Bottom line, someone has to sell in OKC. There's no way Sinclair can keep their stations and absorb the Tribune ones. It will probably come down to profit and if it's worth "Sinclair-izing" in the long run.

 

I can only wonder if Little Rock and Mobile were reversed...eventually divestiture would have come up. But by the way things worked out, Sinclair benefited in Little Rock with KATV and Nexstar benefited with WKRG and WFNA in Mobile.

Well KOKH is already Sinclairized and while KFOR is an NBC affiliate I don't think Sinclair sees any value in also running KAUT as an Independent station like what they do running WGN as an independent station so I expect KFOR and KAUT to either get Scripptified, Raycominized or Coxified I think in Little Rock, KATV probably would've gone to Hearst and would've becoame sister stations with KHBS/KHOG in Fort Smith/Fayetteville and WKRG/WFNA would've gone to Raycom (unless Raycom already owns a station in Mobile) as for other markets they're all Sinclairized so I would say sell off stations like WPMT, WNEP, KSTU, KCPQ/KZJO, etc.

 

I'm going to start threadbanning people who make it clear they are unnecessarily emotionally invested in this matter.

 

There is NO REASON anyone on this site other than people actually WORKING at Tribune need to get as worked up over this as some appear to be getting.

 

The facts are simple. Sinclair wants to buy Tribune and Sinclair is sucking up to the people in government that can make this easy for them. If they absolutely must, Sinclair is probably going to spin off or sell current stations in markets where they own too many stations.

 

I get it. People don't like Sinclair. But until you have a job on the line, PLEASE:

 

1. Stop.

2. Take a breath.

3. Watch

or something else to calm yourself down.

4. Reconsider if this deal really impacts your life in any meaningful way.

 

Anyone getting angry and attacking other members about this will earn a thread ban for sure and a maybe a temporary site suspension depending on how severe it is.

 

If people would just take the time read before spewing out stuff none of this mess would've happened

[GoldenShine9 1513]

Let's face it. There is a lot of paperwork that has to be filed, and that will (probably) have more details on how they will work things out given the multiple challenges involved. Until then, it is all speculation.

 

They should hopefully take notes from the Nexstar acquisition of Media General, which (for all our complaints) was done very smoothly considering the scope of the deal and was well disciplined.

[oklahomanewsman 210]

I agree @GoldenShine9 sell off stations that you need to sell and the DOJ/FCC will approve the deal

[GoldenShine9 1513]

[quote name='okcnewsman']I agree @GoldenShine9 sell off stations that you need to sell and the DOJ/FCC will approve the deal[/QUOTE] It isn't just that, it is getting the full details, the full exhibits and the actual fine print. Press releases alone won't explain such. I know in the Nexstar-MG acquisition the paperwork was like 150 pages in length.

[oklahomanewsman 210]

It isn't just that, it is getting the full details, the full exhibits and the actual fine print. Press releases alone won't explain such.

 

I know in the Nexstar-MG acquisition the paperwork was like 150 pages in length.

I think that the Sinclair-Tribune acquisition will be the same length if not close to it (maybe 120-140 pages in length)

[news89 468]

Maybe this will help everyone with some calming news music.

[JCB4TV 347]

And we have ZERO idea what might happen in the conflict markets and I say if I were to give the highest probability of news operation consolidation that would be in Scranton (WNEP/WOLF) Harrisburg (WHP/WPMT) with the 2nd highest chance, Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo (WXMI/WWMT) with a medium chance of consolidation

 

Markets with higher probability of not consolidationg (sold off to another company):

St. Louis and Greensboro (KDNL/KTVI/KPLR and WXLV/WGHP) with the mediam chance since how neither KDNL or WXLV have a full functioning News Department whereas KTVI/KPLR and WGHP does, Salt Lake City (KSTU/KUTV), Seattle-Tacoma (KOMO/KCPQ) and Oklahoma City (KFOR/KOKH) with the least likely chance of newsroom consolidation.

 

It all might change some so stay tuned

 

 

Well KOKH is already Sinclairized and while KFOR is an NBC affiliate I don't think Sinclair sees any value in also running KAUT as an Independent station like what they do running WGN as an independent station so I expect KFOR and KAUT to either get Scripptified, Raycominized or Coxified I think in Little Rock, KATV probably would've gone to Hearst and would've becoame sister stations with KHBS/KHOG in Fort Smith/Fayetteville and WKRG/WFNA would've gone to Raycom (unless Raycom already owns a station in Mobile) as for other markets they're all Sinclairized so I would say sell off stations like WPMT, WNEP, KSTU, KCPQ/KZJO, etc.

 

 

If people would just take the time read before spewing out stuff none of this mess would've happened

In the event that KFOR/KAUT is sold to Raycom, maybe they, Raycom, should make a pitstop by Lockwood and take KAKE & KTEN off their, Lockwood's, hands. Just a suggestion.

[Rusty Muck 4374]

I'm sure KWTV will continue to be a fine establishment of news....but some of the others are gonna go.

Consolidated or shut down...because noboday wants to spend money on actual newsgathering...they just want to steal it, poach it or borrow it from others on the webnet.

 

It's cheaper when you just push data...not actually go to cover it and report on it.

When Ted Henry retired from WEWS in 2009 after 35 years, he basically said the same thing. He didn't see a market like Cleveland being able to sustain four different news departments, and that was before WJW went on an insane news expansion spree.

 

Television news will wind up like newspapers. I hate to say it that way, but it would have happened with or without Sinclair buying up everything in sight.

[oklahomanewsman 210]

In the event that KFOR/KAUT is sold to Raycom, maybe they, Raycom, should make a pitstop by Lockwood and take KAKE & KTEN off their, Lockwood's, hands. Just a suggestion.

An acquistion of KTEN would almost have a monopoly on Oklahoma, as by that point only Tulsa, Fort Smith, AR and Joplin, MO would be left. I mention Joplin and Fort Smith because their counties serves parts of Oklahoma.

[scrabbleship 429]

In the event that KFOR/KAUT is sold to Raycom, maybe they, Raycom, should make a pitstop by Lockwood and take KAKE & KTEN off their, Lockwood's, hands. Just a suggestion.

 

Might as well toss WCWG in there and have WHDF end up with American Spirit too.

[jsn1992 25]

There's too many dots that need to be connected, t's to be crossed, i's to be dotted here. Yes, this deal isn't great for local media across the country for the most part. As someone who has friends in the industry on the reporting and production side and work for both Sinclair and Tribune, their jobs are always on the line REGARDLESS of owner. It's big business for the most part, but that's sometimes the belly of the beast we see in the media. It's sad but true, but to see this posting spree that exploded tonight, that's not right. Gotta agree with Weeters here. Unless you have a direct impact and a paycheck on the line from one of the two companies (or really any media company looking to stretch some $$$), take a step back and think about what really matters.

 

I know I don't post much, and I'm sorry for the rant, but my goodness.

[oklahomanewsman 210]

There's too many dots that need to be connected, t's to be crossed, i's to be dotted here. Yes, this deal isn't great for local media across the country for the most part. As someone who has friends in the industry on the reporting and production side and work for both Sinclair and Tribune, their jobs are always on the line REGARDLESS of owner. It's big business for the most part, but that's sometimes the belly of the beast we see in the media. It's sad but true, but to see this posting spree that exploded tonight, that's not right. Gotta agree with Weeters here. Unless you have a direct impact and a paycheck on the line from one of the two companies (or really any media company looking to stretch some $$$), take a step back and think about what really matters.

 

I know I don't post much, and I'm sorry for the rant, but my goodness.

I agree with what you said, I wasn't trying to cause any problems I was trying to prove that Sinclair would not get their merger with Tribune approved unless they sell off one of the duopolies in markets like Oklahoma City, Seattle, Scranton, etc.

 

And I just simply dealt with 2 people who just either didn't know that Griffin formed a 3rd duopoly in OKC back in 2014 with the purchase of KSBI (which makes it illegal for Sinclair to form a quadropoly between KFOR, KOKH, KAUT and KOCB) or they just simply simply don't have a clue about Oklahoma City either way I ignored them and I'm moving on that's all I can do at this point.

[oklahomanewsman 210]

Maybe this will help everyone with some calming news music.

Unfortunately that music maybe going out the door once Sinclair takes over WGN

[24994J 5577]

Unfortunately that music maybe going out the door once Sinclair takes over WGN

In Sinclair's defense (BLASPHEMY!), that music might be out the door within 36 hours.

[oklahomanewsman 210]

In Sinclair's defense (BLASPHEMY!), that music might be out the door within 36 hours.

Luckily KFOR may not have their Custom Music they've used since 1997 be replaced by Sinclair News Package but if it goes to Scripps, Raycom or Cox (potentially) it'll be replaced by either Inergy or whatever music Cox's NBC affiliates use.

 

The only way how KFOR's Custom Music Package survives a 3rd ownership change is if Meredith comes in and gets KFOR and KAUT

[ColtFromGulfcoast 708]

Might as well toss WCWG in there and have WHDF end up with American Spirit too.

 

Don't forget WSKY. And put WKNX in a duopoly with WTNZ.

[Brother 83]

And I just simply dealt with 2 people who just either didn't know that Griffin formed a 3rd duopoly in OKC back in 2014 with the purchase of KSBI (which makes it illegal for Sinclair to form a quadropoly between KFOR, KOKH, KAUT and KOCB) or they just simply simply don't have a clue about Oklahoma City either way I ignored them and I'm moving on that's all I can do at this point.

 

Griffin's purchase of KSBI has nothing to do with a Sinclair quadropoly being illegal. Of course, we know they're not allowed as it is. Even if you count the Nexstar/Mission combo in Little Rock as a quadropoly, the FCC still sees that as two separate ownership groups. But hey, let's say Sinclair was allowed to own all four stations in Oklahoma City. You'd still have eight separate full-power owners in the market:

 

Sinclair: KFOR/KAUT/KOKH/KOCB;

Hearst: KOCO;

Griffin: KWTV/KSBI;

OETA: KETA;

TBN: KTBO;

Tyler Media: KTUZ;

Daystar: KOCM;

Ion Media: KOPX.

 

There we go. I hope this puts your mind at rest. To be quite honest, my big concern from this entire thread is whether or not Eat News ever capitulated and bought his kid a pony after all. Because quite frankly, sharks and ponies living together is a far more bizarre union than Sinclair-Tribune.

[oklahomanewsman 210]

Griffin's purchase of KSBI has nothing to do with a Sinclair quadropoly being illegal. Of course, we know they're not allowed as it is. Even if you count the Nexstar/Mission combo in Little Rock as a quadropoly, the FCC still sees that as two separate ownership groups. But hey, let's say Sinclair was allowed to own all four stations in Oklahoma City. You'd still have eight separate full-power owners in the market:

 

Sinclair: KFOR/KAUT/KOKH/KOCB;

Hearst: KOCO;

Griffin: KWTV/KSBI;

OETA: KETA;

TBN: KTBO;

Tyler Media: KTUZ;

Daystar: KOCM;

Ion Media: KOPX.

 

There we go. I hope this puts your mind at rest. To be quite honest, my big concern from this entire thread is whether or not Eat News ever capitulated and bought his kid a pony after all. Because quite frankly, sharks and ponies living together is a far more bizarre union than Sinclair-Tribune.

I still cannot see a quadropoly forming in Oklahoma City, the only way it'll ever happen is if KOCO gets sold to Sinclair (which will never happen) if KFOR and KOCO were to swap 2nd and 3rd maybe but since how KFOR and KWTV are neck and neck for the top spot in the ratings for those reasons I cannot see a quadropoly happening in Oklahoma City

[NEOMatrix 1299]

I still cannot see a quadropoly forming in Oklahoma City, the only way it'll ever happen is if KOCO gets sold to Sinclair (which will never happen) if KFOR and KOCO were to swap 2nd and 3rd maybe but since how KFOR and KWTV are neck and neck for the top spot in the ratings for those reasons I cannot see a quadropoly happening in Oklahoma City

WEAR was 2nd overall in Mobile-Pensacola and WPMI was 4th. It didn't stop Sinclair from using the Deerfield sidecar to acquire WPMI/WJTC. Granted, WEAR is in Florida and WPMI is in Alabama so they're still technically separate. I would like to see Sinclair try to sell off KFOR/KAUT (preferably NOT to Scripps), but I wouldn't be surprised if Sinclair calls up Deerfield to acquire KOKH/KAUT and possibly only do an SSA. I don't know if Pai reversed the JSA rule, so Deerfield might have to maintain a separate sales office for KOKH.

[ColDayNews 438]

As much as I hate Sinclair... some of you really need to relax. Unless you work at a Tribune station or your job is on the line post-sale, it's not the end of the world.

[oklahomanewsman 210]

WEAR was 2nd overall in Mobile-Pensacola and WPMI was 4th. It didn't stop Sinclair from using the Deerfield sidecar to acquire WPMI/WJTC. Granted, WEAR is in Florida and WPMI is in Alabama so they're still technically separate. I would like to see Sinclair try to sell off KFOR/KAUT (preferably NOT to Scripps), but I wouldn't be surprised if Sinclair calls up Deerfield to acquire KOKH/KAUT and possibly only do an SSA. I don't know if Pai reversed the JSA rule, so Deerfield might have to maintain a separate sales office for KOKH.

I think Wheeler may have eliminated the JSA so Sinclair might not be able to use Deerfield for KOKH or KFOR and where would you like to see KFOR/KAUT go if it's not Scripps?

 

EDIT: It was struck down in the appeals court last year

 

Speaking of the JSA/LMA I think Sinclair likely will be able to use the JSA in markets like Harrisburg, Grand Rapids, Greensboro, Richmond, Des Moines and Portland (IF Sinclair elects to sell KUNP)

 

Markets where Sinclair likely will not be able to use the JSA: Seattle-Tacoma, Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Norfolk and Scranton-Wilkes Barre (Porland IF KUNP is kept by Sinclair)

 

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/house-dems-want-hearing-sinclairtribune-deal/165873

 

Some leading Democratic members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee have called on the Republican leadership of the committee and Communications Subcommittee to look into the proposed $3.9 billion purchase of Tribune by Sinclair Broadcasting.

 

That is unlikely to happen. A spokesperson for the majority had no comment, but a source said that the committee has a long history of not holding hearings on mergers, which is usually more the province of the Senate Commerce Committee.

 

"The Sinclair-Tribune transaction comes as a direct result of the decision in April by the FCC to reinstate the so-called "UHF discount," they wrote, according to a copy of the letter obtained by B&C. "The Republican FCC majority reinstated the UHF discount despite a previous finding that it was obsolete in the digital era. Its revival only serves as a loophole in the media ownership rules that opens the door to a wave of broadcast consolidation, as evidenced by this transaction."

 

Signing on to the letter were Communications Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA.), former chair Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and E&C and Communications subcommittee member Doris Matsui, also a California Democrat.

 

"We believe the American people deserve to hear about the effect of this transaction and Chairman Pai's plans for loosening media ownership rules."

 

Pai acknowledges that the UHF discount is an artifact of the pre-DTV days when analog UHF signals were inferior to VHF--their positions are now reversed. But he has also said the discount should not have been lifted--as it was against his dissent by the FCC under Chairman Tom Wheeler--without also looking at raising the 39% ownership cap.

[Weeters 1916]

As much as I hate Sinclair... some of you really need to relax. Unless you work at a Tribune station or your job is on the line post-sale, it's not the end of the world.

 

Again, this.

[JCB4TV 347]

Tribune ran into some sort of financial problem and they haven't broken ground on it since

Actually, I've driven by the KFOR facility on Britton Road in Oklahoma City and have seen the construction of the new facility and wrote the personally and they advised me that they should be in the new building by late summer/early fall. Here's a link to the article where it says it would be up by January 1, 2017, but has been delayed - http://kfor.com/2015/12/17/kfor-unveils-new-building-update-at-employee-christmas-luncheon/.