Sinclair Broadcast Group plans to sell Tribune Media’s TV stations in New York and Chicago to comply with FCC ownership limits if the $3.9 billion Sinclair-Tribune merger is approved by the FCC and Justice Department. (Variety)
In an FCC filing, Sinclair said it has entered into agreements to sell WPIX in New York, WGN in Chicago and several other stations. However, Sinclair intends to remain close to the stations through a shared services agreement. (TVSpy)
Four of the six Tribune stations are in markets with NFL teams, a seeming fit for Fox’s strategy of investing in live sports—particularly professional football. (Deadline)
The combined local television stations that would be under the Sinclair umbrella would reach more than 65 percent of the country’s television audience. Current rules dictate broadcasters to be capped at 39 percent. (The Hill)