Sinclair Finalizes Agreement with Nexstar to Broaden Reach of Multicast Networks
In a significant move, Sinclair and Nexstar have renewed and expanded their distribution agreement, allowing Sinclair's multicast television networks - Comet, Charge!, TBD, and The Nest - to reach over 15 million TV households across the United States.
The agreement grants these networks broadcast rights on Nexstar-owned or operated local TV stations, significantly increasing their availability in key markets.
**Key Markets and Channel Positions**
The renewed pact boosts Sinclair's presence in notable markets such as Cleveland, Indianapolis, Denver, New Orleans, Kansas City, and Sacramento. Here's a breakdown of the networks' focus and the stations carrying them:
- **Charge!**, known for its police procedural series like "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "CSI: New York", is now available on WJZY (46.3) Charlotte, WJW (8.4) Cleveland, WNOL (38.4) New Orleans, and WXIN (59.4) Indianapolis. Two additional markets will soon be announced.
- **Comet**, Sinclair's sci-fi and fantasy programming network, has renewed agreements on WNOL (38.3) New Orleans, WTTV (4.3) Indianapolis, WJW (8.3) Cleveland, and KGBT (4.3) Harlingen.
- **TBD and The Nest** are now available in various key markets, including Cleveland, Indianapolis, Denver, New Orleans, Kansas City, and Sacramento, on local Nexstar stations. Specific channel positions for TBD and The Nest were not provided.
The Nest, Sinclair's comedy programming network, has also secured a spot in Chicago on WGN (9.5.). With the addition of the Chicago market, The Nest now has prime location, full power OTA coverage in the top 10 Designated Market Areas (DMAs).
Moreover, KRBK-3 (49.3) in Springfield, Mo. has renewed its agreement to carry Comet.
Lee Schlazer, senior vice president of distribution at Sinclair, stated that the agreement marks a significant milestone in their efforts to bring their multicast networks to more viewers. The expanded distribution strengthens Sinclair's coverage in key markets and prime channel positions, ensuring that these networks are positioned on subchannels of Nexstar stations, leveraging existing broadcast infrastructure to reach a wide audience with focused content.
[1] Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (2023). Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group Announce Renewed and Expanded Distribution Agreement. Retrieved from https://www.nexstar.tv/about-us/news-releases/news-release-details/nexstar-media-group-and-sinclair-broadcast-group-announce-renewed [2] Broadcasting & Cable (2023). Sinclair's Multicast Networks Expand Reach in Key Markets. Retrieved from https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/sinclairs-multicast-networks-expand-reach-in-key-markets/1856635
- The agreement between Sinclair and Nexstar increases the availability of Sinclair's multicast networks - Charge!, Comet, TBD, and The Nest - on Nexstar-owned local TV stations, reaching over 15 million TV households.
- Charge!, known for its police procedural series like "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "CSI: New York", is now accessible in key markets such as Cleveland, Indianapolis, New Orleans, and Charlotte, among others.
- Comet, Sinclair's sci-fi and fantasy programming network, has secured spots on local stations in New Orleans, Indianapolis, and Cleveland, and will continue on KRBK-3 in Springfield, Mo.
- TBD and The Nest, available in various key markets, have been distributed on local Nexstar stations in cities like Sacramento, Denver, and Kansas City.
- The Nest, Sinclair's comedy programming network, has significantly expanded its reach, securing a prime location in the Chicago market on WGN.
- Lee Schlazer, senior vice president of distribution at Sinclair, believes this agreement is a significant milestone, strengthening Sinclair's coverage in key markets and securing subchannel positions on Nexstar stations, leveraging existing broadcast infrastructure for OTT, finance, and nextgen tv industries.
