Sinclair Announces Syndication Agreements And The Addition Of The Western Athletic Conference For Expanded Distribution Footprint For American Sports Network; Launches Americansportsnet.com

BALTIMORE, Sept. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) (the "Company" or "Sinclair") announced today that its Sinclair Networks division has entered into syndication agreements with 41 companies for expanded distribution of its American Sports Network ("ASN") initiative.  The agreements extend distribution of ASN's college sports events, to 67 non-Sinclair television markets.  In combination with Sinclair broadcast stations airing ASN, the combined footprint for ASN in Sinclair and non-Sinclair markets is now projected to reach approximately 83 million households for select games.   

The Company also announced that it has entered into a multi-year sports rights and content development agreement with the Western Athletic Conference ("WAC"), bringing to six the total number of distinguished NCAA Division I conferences for which ASN will produce games.    

"We are pleased with the initial market receptivity of our newly launched American Sports Network, which delivers real value and relevant and compelling programming to communities," commented Doron Gorshein, COO of Sinclair Networks.  "Our inaugural game between Hampton and Old Dominion aired on August 30^th  across our platform and, in the Norfolk, Virginia market, realized ratings as high as 3 times previous programming in the same time period, evidence that local content that is meaningful will draw audiences.  We are excited to add WAC to ASN's line-up of games and expect them to have great appeal to viewers, especially in markets in our western footprint."

"Our relationship with Sinclair is a great opportunity for increased exposure for the Western Athletic Conference and its member institutions," WAC Commissioner Jeff Hurd said. "The WAC looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the American Sports Network."

The Company also announced the launch of the ASN website, www.americansportsnet.com, where viewers can access ASN's schedule of games, watch game highlights, and get scores.      

About ASN:
American Sports Network is a programming initiative of Sinclair Networks Group, LLC ("SNG"), a division of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.  SNG plans to produce over 211 college sports games during the 2014-2015 academic year featuring distinguished NCAA Division I conferences including Conference USA, the Colonial Athletic Association, Big South Conference, Southern Conference,  the Patriot League, and the Western Athletic Conference.   In addition to its college initiative, SNG produces local high school sports under the "Thursday Night Lights" and "Friday Night Rivals" brands, and recently secured rights to the 2014 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge.  

About Sinclair:
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is the largest and one of the most diversified television broadcasting companies with affiliations with all the major networks.  Sinclair's television group will reach approximately 38.2% of U.S. television households, including pending transactions.  The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

SOURCE Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.