Interesting Sinclair article

[tech3149]

http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/weblogs/pressthink/2004/10/13/sinclair_acts.html

* By refusing to air on its ABC affiliates Nightline's show, "The Fallen," a reading of the names of U.S. war dead, Sinclair demonstrated that it would invite public controversy and do battle with adversaries-- not only Koppel and ABC, but Senator John McCain. This meant it was willing to sustain public relations losses unthinkable for ordinary commercial broadcasters, who try to avoid upsetting viewers and live in fear of advertisers. (See PressThink on The Fallen.)

When these moves are plotted on a commercial grid, or against the history of station ownership, they make limited sense-- or none. So it's not surprising that market-wise, Sinclair is a poor performer: "With its heavy concentration of Fox and WB affiliates, ranking in the middle of the pack in mostly midsize markets, Sinclair is barely profitable and laden with debt," wrote David Lieberman in USA Today. Net profit in 2003 was $14 million on revenue of $739 million. (This in one of the most lucrative businesses in America: owning TV stations.)

[NJCher]

1. so typical

"...Sinclair is barely profitable and laden with debt,"

Why does this not surprise me? Republicans have the most uncanny talent for doing themselves in. They've never known a guideline, a limit, and where to draw the line in the sand.

This is so typical.


Cher

[ClintonTyree]

2. They'll probably get................

a BUNCH of money mysteriously influxed onto their balance sheet now. Being the leading (well, ONE of the leading) Propaganda tools of the Republicans will ensure a healthy bottom line for them, I'm sure.

[IkeWarnedUs]

3. That's because they are the "sacrificial bunt"

In baseball, sometimes a batter will bunt the ball (or hit it softly to keep it in the infield), knowing he will be thrown out at first base, but also knowing a runner on base will advance, therefore sacrificing themselves for the betterment of the team.

Likewise, Sinclair Broadcasting is not only willing, but proud, to loose revenue for the betterment of the team.

Keep in mind, batters only serve as sacrificial outs for their own team. They don't do it for the opponent and they don't do it for the betterment of other teams.

I suggest we quit referring to them as Sinclair Broadcasting and start calling them the RNC Network. You know, a spade is a spade . . .