Sinclair to Acquire Four Cox Stations

Outlets in El Paso, Johnstown, Reno and Steubenville coming Sinclair's way

Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/25/2013 4:09:35 PM

Sinclair Broadcast Group has agreed to acquire four stations from Cox Media Group. They are KFOX El Paso (Fox), WJAC Johnstown (NBC), KRXI-KAME Reno (Fox-MyNetworkTV) and WTOV Steubenville (NBC).

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The sale is subject to regulatory approval.

In July 2012, Cox Media Group revealed its strategy "to focus on larger markets, cross-media collaboration, and heightened impact in fewer markets," said the company. Late last year, it acquired stations in Jacksonville and Tulsa from Newport Television.

"All of these media locations are valued brands with talented professionals who are committed to their audiences, advertisers and communities," said CMG president Doug Franklin. "We wish all of the employees well and know they will continue to work hard to produce quality entertainment, news and information for their customers and new owners."

Prior to this pact, fast-growing Sinclair owns or provides services to 87 television stations in 47 markets.