The Sinclair Effect: Comparing Ownership Influences on Bias in Local TV News Content

Abstract

Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest owner of U.S. local television stations, has received recent attention due to its apparent political lean and journalistic practices. This study compared the content and quality of national political news stories at Sinclair and non-Sinclair stations in three television markets. Results indicated evidence of a “Sinclair Effect,” whereby Sinclair-owned affiliate stories exhibited more cable news-style elements. Stations generally adhered to traditional journalistic principles, regardless of ownership, but Sinclair stations produced more stories with dramatic elements, commentary, and partisan sources.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kylah J. Hedding

Kylah J. Hedding (Ph.D. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is an Assistant Professor of Political Communication at the University of Iowa. Her research focuses on the role of media and advocacy in politics and policymaking.

Kaitlin C. Miller

Kaitlin C. Miller (M.S. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) is a Ph.D. Candidate in Media Studies at the University of Oregon. Her research interests include media ethics, harassment of journalists, and media ownership.

Jesse Abdenour

Jesse Abdenour (Ph.D. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is an Assistant Professor of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon. His research uses a sociological perspective to examine how factors such as corporate structure, market competition, journalistic role, and copyright law can influence journalism and documentary film production.

Justin C. Blankenship

Justin C. Blankenship (Ph.D. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is an Assistant Professor of Journalism at Auburn University. His research interests include news production, local television journalism, and media trust.