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Sinclair Posts Q3 Revenue Slide and Small Loss as Political Ad Spending Craters

The broadcaster cites a collapse in political ads and signals a modest fourth‑quarter rebound.

Overview

  • Revenue fell 16% to $773 million, producing a $1 million net loss versus $94 million in profit a year earlier.
  • Advertising sales dropped 26% to $321 million as political revenue plunged to $6 million from $138 million in the 2024 presidential cycle.
  • Sinclair said ABC distribution is being hurt by the Disney–YouTube TV blackout and pressed for rule changes giving local owners control over such deals.
  • The company did not attribute results to September’s brief preemption of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which it said was an independent programming decision before stations resumed the show on Sept. 26.
  • CEO Chris Ripley reported 11 partner-station acquisitions closed as of Nov. 1 and forecast potential FCC ownership-cap changes in early 2026 alongside stronger Q4 trends.