Sinclair nears Tribune deal

Sinclair Broadcast Group is set to acquire fellow US-based channels operator Tribune Media for close to US$4bn, according to reports.

The deal comes after the US Federal Communications Commission voted last month to allow some broadcasters to buy more TV stations.

Should it go through, Sinclair’s acquisition would bring together two of the country’s largest TV station operators. Analysts have said this would mean the deal could face regulatory challenges, according to Reuters.

Sinclair operates more than 150 stations, covering 30% of the US population, while Tribune Broadcasting operates 42 local television stations in the US to reach approximately 50 million households.

Tribune’s president and CEO Peter Liguori stepped down from the role in March after four years with the company.