Sinclair Broadcast Group Reups CBS Affils

CBS Corp. and Sinclair Broadcast Group today announced a multi-year deal that renews station affiliation agreements for four of its owned or operated stations: KUTV Salt Lake City, Utah; KEYE Austin, Texas; WSBT South Bend, Ind.; and WGFL Gainesville, Fla. The four renewed markets serve more than two million households.

The new deal also includes the renewal of participation in CBS All Access, the CBS Television Network’s subscription video on demand and live-streaming service, plus a commitment to distribution of Sinclair’s CBS affiliates via the new YouTubeTV live television service in markets where the offering is available.

In addition, the companies agreed to assign Tribune’s CBS affiliation agreements to Sinclair upon planned closing of the merger. Commenting on this, Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicer said: “We view this as a positive development in the Sinclair-Tribune transaction, especially given early (and unfounded) concerns that networks might refuse the transfer of Tribune’s affiliation agreements.” 

“We are pleased we have reached this agreement with our longtime and valued partner, Sinclair,” said Ray Hopkins, president of network distribution for the CBS Television Network. “In renewing this deal, it is clear that Sinclair recognizes the value that the most watched Network’s popular programming brings to the viewers in each market and to their business as a whole.”

“We share CBS’ enthusiasm for the renewal of these affiliation agreements and the other aspects of this deal,” said Barry Faber, Sinclair’s EVP for distribution and network relations. “We believe that the network-affiliate model provides great benefits to both parties and are pleased to have the value of this symbiotic relationship continued to be reflected in our relationship.”

Sinclair’s CBS affiliates cover 8% of the U.S. and serve more than nine million households. Sinclair owns or operates CBS Affiliates in 24 markets, including the four listed above.