The question how many TV stations does Sinclair own has been central to conversations about the power of local broadcasting in America. As of September 2025, Sinclair Broadcast Group owns, operates, or provides services to 178 television stations across 81 markets in the United States. This makes Sinclair one of the largest broadcast companies in the nation, with a reach that extends to millions of households every single day.
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Sinclair’s Scale in Broadcasting
Sinclair’s 178-station portfolio gives it a commanding presence across both large and mid-sized markets. With affiliates connected to all four major U.S. networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX—plus numerous independent channels, Sinclair has crafted a network that reaches viewers nationwide.
This scale allows Sinclair to:
- Influence local news coverage in dozens of states.
- Command stronger negotiating power with advertisers.
- Maintain significant leverage in carriage deals with cable, satellite, and streaming providers.
Breaking Down the 178 Stations
When discussing how many TV stations does Sinclair own, it’s important to clarify the definition. Sinclair’s reach includes:
- Fully owned stations – Sinclair directly owns the broadcast license and station assets.
- Operated stations – Stations managed under shared service or joint sales agreements.
- Stations with service contracts – Facilities where Sinclair provides back-office, technical, or sales support.
This combination of ownership models explains how Sinclair maintains such a broad footprint without necessarily holding every license outright.
Where Sinclair Stations Operate
Sinclair’s 81 markets include a mix of:
- Large urban markets such as Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Baltimore.
- Medium markets where Sinclair often operates multiple stations in one city.
- Smaller regional markets, giving Sinclair dominance in communities that may only have two or three local broadcast choices.
This blend ensures Sinclair’s influence is not just national but deeply local.
Sinclair’s Growth Strategy
The reason Sinclair owns so many stations today is tied to decades of expansion. The company has consistently acquired broadcasters, merged with regional station owners, and entered into operational agreements that extend its reach without necessarily buying every outlet.
Key parts of Sinclair’s strategy include:
- Acquiring station groups when ownership caps allow.
- Forming service agreements to expand where direct ownership is restricted.
- Leveraging economies of scale by centralizing resources while keeping local branding.
Comparison With Other Broadcasters
Sinclair is among the largest broadcast station owners, though it faces strong competition:
- Nexstar Media Group is currently the largest with over 200 stations.
- Gray Television also ranks among the top three.
- Sinclair’s 178 stations still keep it firmly in the top tier of American broadcasters.
In terms of reach and influence, Sinclair’s size places it second only to Nexstar.
Why the Station Count Matters
The answer to how many TV stations does Sinclair own isn’t just a number—it’s tied to broader issues of media influence.
- Advertising leverage – A large station count allows Sinclair to bundle ad deals across multiple markets.
- Regulatory oversight – The FCC closely watches companies with such expansive holdings.
- Content control – More stations mean Sinclair’s editorial decisions affect more communities nationwide.
The number of stations matters because it reflects how consolidated local television has become under a few powerful players.
Recent Corporate Developments
In 2025, Sinclair’s board confirmed that the company continues to own, operate, or provide services to 178 stations. While the company has been evaluating parts of its business—particularly its non-broadcast ventures—its television holdings remain steady.
There has also been discussion of potential divestitures or restructuring, but no significant reduction in station count has occurred. For now, Sinclair maintains its massive local broadcasting footprint.
Impact on Local News Coverage
One of the biggest debates around Sinclair’s station count involves local journalism. Owning 178 stations gives the company significant influence over news production.
Some effects include:
- Shared news resources – Stations often pool content, reducing unique local reporting.
- Editorial direction – Corporate policies can influence how certain issues are framed.
- Community presence – Smaller stations may shift from hyper-local coverage to regionalized reporting.
This reach has drawn both support for efficiency and criticism for reducing diversity in local media.
Potential Future Changes
Although Sinclair currently maintains 178 stations, the future may bring adjustments. Factors that could influence this include:
- Regulatory changes – FCC ownership rules could be revised.
- Market shifts – Sinclair might sell or swap stations to balance its portfolio.
- Streaming growth – As audiences move online, Sinclair may integrate digital platforms more deeply into its station strategy.
For now, though, Sinclair’s presence across 81 markets remains firmly in place.
Conclusion
To answer directly: how many TV stations does Sinclair own? The figure stands at 178 stations across 81 markets in the United States. That number cements Sinclair’s position as one of the most influential broadcasters in the country, shaping both local and national conversations.
With such a wide network, Sinclair’s decisions impact millions of viewers every day, from local newsrooms to advertising markets. As broadcasting continues to evolve in 2025, Sinclair’s massive footprint ensures it will remain a dominant player in the American media landscape.
What do you think—does Sinclair’s ownership level strengthen local TV or concentrate too much power in one company?