Sinclair Broadcast Group controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Sinclair discloses ransomware incident and data theft
Issue disclosure
Sinclair Broadcast Group said a ransomware incident disrupted parts of its office and operational networks and that hackers stole data from its network; the company was working to determine what information was taken.
Company response
Investigation — Sinclair Broadcast Group
Sinclair began investigating the incident on Saturday
Remediation — Sinclair Broadcast Group
that it was working to “restore operations quickly and securely.”
Source excerpt
Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest TV station operators in the U.S., said Monday that a ransomware incident had disrupted some of its office and operational networks.
The unidentified hackers also stole data from Sinclair’s network; the company said it was working to determine what information was taken.
2020
Sinclair agrees to pay $48 million FCC fine
Fine or penalty
Sinclair Broadcast Group agreed to pay a record $48 million fine to resolve allegations with the FCC, including allegations that it failed to disclose the sponsor of paid content and misled the regulator. The FCC said the agreement would end three investigations.
Stated objective. To resolve a series of allegations with the FCC
Source excerpt
including charges that it failed to disclose the sponsor of paid content, and that it misled the FCC
The FCC announced that the agreement will end three investigations into the broadcaster
Sinclair Broadcast Group agreed on Wednesday to pay a record $48 million fine to resolve a series of allegations with the Federal Communications Communication.
2018
National controversy over coordinated anchor statements
A video of anchors at multiple Sinclair stations delivering substantially similar criticism of mainstream media was widely circulated. Critics argued that the material illustrated centralized political messaging being imposed on local news operations; Sinclair described its approach as an effort to challenge media bias.
2001
FCC finding concerning Glencairn control
The FCC fined Sinclair $40,000 after determining that Sinclair illegally controlled Glencairn, an affiliated licensee involved in station operating arrangements. The matter raised questions about whether nominally separate station owners were independent from Sinclair.