The question how many TV stations does Sinclair own is one of the most asked when it comes to American broadcasting. As of 2025, Sinclair Broadcast Group owns, operates, or provides services to 178 television stations across 81 U.S. markets. This makes Sinclair one of the largest broadcasters in the country, second only to Nexstar Media Group.
Sinclair’s reach is enormous. Its portfolio spans both large metropolitan regions and smaller local markets, allowing it to impact the daily lives of millions of viewers. Understanding this number isn’t just about counting stations—it’s about grasping the influence Sinclair has on local news, advertising, and the broader media industry.
The Official Number: 178 Stations in 81 Markets
When analysts and regulators answer the question how many TV stations does Sinclair own, the figure includes more than just direct ownership. Sinclair’s 178 stations come under three categories:
- Owned stations – fully licensed and controlled by Sinclair.
- Operated stations – run through joint sales or shared service agreements with other license holders.
- Stations with service contracts – Sinclair provides operational support, such as programming, technical services, or advertising sales.
This mix allows Sinclair to expand beyond strict FCC ownership limits, giving it influence in markets where direct ownership might not be possible.
Why Sinclair’s Station Count Matters
The number of stations Sinclair controls matters because of its implications for:
- Local news coverage – More stations mean greater say in what communities see and hear.
- Advertising deals – A large footprint lets Sinclair sell ads across multiple markets.
- Regulatory oversight – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) monitors broadcasters closely, especially those with national reach above 35% of households.
By holding 178 stations, Sinclair’s voice is amplified in ways smaller broadcasters cannot match.
Sinclair’s Market Presence
Sinclair’s 81 markets include both large cities and smaller communities. This ensures the company reaches different audiences:
- Major urban markets such as Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Baltimore.
- Mid-sized regional markets, where Sinclair often owns multiple stations.
- Small rural markets, giving it dominance in areas with limited local news choices.
This distribution allows Sinclair to balance national influence with local reach.
Network Affiliations of Sinclair Stations
To understand how many TV stations does Sinclair own in practical terms, it helps to see the breakdown of its affiliations.
- FOX affiliates – Sinclair is one of the largest FOX affiliate owners.
- ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates – Stations tied to all three major broadcast networks.
- CW and MyNetworkTV affiliates – Common in mid-sized markets.
- Independent stations – Often used to provide local content, syndicated shows, or sports programming.
This spread makes Sinclair versatile, able to provide content across different networks and reach diverse audiences.
How Sinclair Reached 178 Stations
Sinclair did not reach this number overnight. The growth came through decades of acquisitions and strategic deals.
Key milestones:
- 1990s expansion – Sinclair started aggressively acquiring stations in mid-sized markets.
- 2000s agreements – Shared services and operational agreements allowed Sinclair to manage more stations without direct ownership.
- 2010s growth – Large acquisitions, such as buying Allbritton Communications and Fisher Communications, added dozens of stations.
- 2020s stability – Sinclair has maintained 178 stations, balancing growth with regulatory limits.
This long-term strategy has made Sinclair one of the most powerful names in local broadcasting.
Comparison: Sinclair vs. Nexstar and Others
To see the scale of how many TV stations does Sinclair own, it helps to compare it with other broadcasters:
| Broadcaster | Number of Stations | Markets Covered | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexstar Media Group | 200+ | 116 | #1 |
| Sinclair Broadcast | 178 | 81 | #2 |
| Gray Television | 113+ | 93 | #3 |
| Tegna | 64 | 51 | #4 |
This table shows how Sinclair remains a leader, only slightly behind Nexstar in raw station count but still ahead of most competitors.
Regulatory Oversight and Ownership Limits
Whenever the topic of how many TV stations does Sinclair own comes up, regulatory rules are part of the discussion.
The FCC national ownership cap limits broadcasters from reaching more than 39% of U.S. households. Sinclair’s station count pushes it close to this cap. To expand, it often uses operational agreements rather than direct purchases, keeping within the law while still broadening influence.
These practices have sparked debate, with critics arguing Sinclair skirts the intent of ownership limits. Supporters counter that such agreements allow for efficiency and cost savings, which can keep local stations viable.
Impact on Local Communities
Sinclair’s 178 stations shape the daily information flow in many communities. The impacts include:
- Content centralization – Shared news segments or editorials may reduce unique local coverage.
- Community access – In smaller towns, Sinclair-owned stations may be the only local news source.
- Employment shifts – Station consolidations can lead to job cuts, though they also create resource efficiencies.
For viewers, the influence of Sinclair’s ownership is most visible in local newscasts and editorial content, which often carry similar themes across markets.
The Role of Sinclair in Sports and Syndication
Beyond local news, Sinclair uses its station network to distribute sports and syndicated programming. Many of its stations air regional sports, college games, or syndicated talk shows.
While its regional sports network investments have faced challenges, Sinclair continues to leverage its 178 stations to keep sports content accessible to local audiences.
Future Outlook for Sinclair’s Station Count
Looking ahead, several factors could affect the answer to how many TV stations does Sinclair own:
- Potential divestitures – To focus on profitability, Sinclair might sell some smaller stations.
- Regulatory changes – The FCC could tighten or relax ownership rules.
- Digital transformation – Sinclair may integrate more streaming partnerships, shifting emphasis from raw station count to multi-platform reach.
For now, the 178 figure remains firm, but the future may bring adjustments.
What This Means for Viewers
For everyday viewers, Sinclair’s ownership of 178 stations affects what they watch and how they watch it:
- Local news may look similar across different markets.
- Advertising and sponsorships may reflect national deals rather than purely local ones.
- Access to sports or syndicated content may depend on Sinclair’s business decisions.
The influence of Sinclair’s station network is both subtle and widespread, touching communities across the country.
Conclusion
To put it simply, how many TV stations does Sinclair own? The official figure in 2025 is 178 stations in 81 markets. This massive reach cements Sinclair’s role as one of the most powerful broadcasting companies in America.
Whether you see Sinclair’s dominance as efficiency or media concentration, its influence cannot be ignored. From major cities to small towns, Sinclair’s stations play a defining role in how Americans consume local news and entertainment.
Do you think Sinclair’s ownership strengthens local broadcasting or concentrates too much power in one company? Share your perspective below.