Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI), announced that it has reached agreement with the National Cable Television Cooperative, which allows NCTC's member companies to opt into a multi-year retransmission consent agreement. The agreement also provides for carriage of Sinclair owned Tennis Channel. NCTC has over 850 independent cable/broadband operator members, and negotiating carriage agreements with content providers is among the many services it provides. In Sinclair's markets, NCTC represents over 2 million ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX subscribers, and approximately 700,000 CW and MYTV subs.
"We are pleased to have reached this groundbreaking agreement with NCTC, which has not traditionally entered into agreements relating to carriage of local broadcast stations," stated Barry Faber, Sinclair's EVP Network Relations & Distribution. "However, both sides were interested in doing a single deal to take advantage of the efficiencies of such and to reflect the spirit of partnership with small MVPDs around the country. We very much appreciate the efforts of the NCTC management team in working cooperatively to reach this mutually beneficial agreement."
About Sinclair:
Sinclair is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country. Pro forma for the Tribune acquisition (before any related divestitures), the Company will own, operate and/or provide services to 233 television stations in 108 markets. The Company has multiple emerging networks as well as stations affiliated with all the major networks. Sinclair is a leading local news provider in the country and a producer of live sports content. Sinclair's content is delivered via multiple-platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and digital platforms. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.
About National Cable Television Cooperation (NCTC)
NCTC is a Kansas not-for-profit corporation that operates as a programming and technology purchasing organization for its member companies who own and operate cable systems throughout the U.S. and its territories. NCTC seeks to maximize current and future opportunities to ensure the profitability, competitive stature and long-term sustainability of its member companies. For more information, visit www.nctconline.org
