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Sinclair Broadcast Group’s Connect to Congress Returns, Bringing Local TV Newscasts to Capitol Hill

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Sinclair Broadcast Group (NASDAQ: SBGI) has rebooted its Connect to Congress initiative, designed to facilitate direct communication between Members of Congress and their constituents via local TV stations. This multimedia effort combines broadcast and social media, allowing lawmakers to interview on critical issues affecting their districts. Launched in 2015, the program aims to enhance transparency and connection amidst growing public disconnection from political leaders. Sinclair's local newscasts reportedly have a broader reach than national cable news, bolstering local engagement.

Positive
  • Reinforcement of community engagement through the Connect to Congress initiative.
  • Over 300 annual interviews enhance local involvement in governance.
  • Nielsen data indicates local newscasts have greater viewership than national cable news.
Negative
  • None.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) today announced the return of Connect to Congress, a multimedia initiative that enables Members of Congress in Sinclair’s news markets to speak directly to their constituents on a regular basis, through their local TV news stations.

Combining broadcast, digital, and social media technologies, Connect to Congress offers Sinclair’s local market viewers new ways to get answers to questions about what matters most to them at home. The initiative, which launched in 2015, has returned after a hiatus in 2021 due to the pandemic.

Each Wednesday when Congress is in session, Sinclair will set up cameras in the Rotunda, connected via remote to Sinclair’s local stations, with anchors and reporters conducting interviews with lawmakers about the key issues affecting constituents, connecting Sinclair’s local stations directly to Congress. This also offers the hundreds of Congressional Members in Sinclair’s news markets their own media voice in their home districts. On average, over 300 interviews are conducted through Connect to Congress each year.

"At a time when Americans feel increasingly disconnected from their leaders in the nation's capital, our initiative gives those leaders a unique opportunity to detail to their constituents what they're working on in Washington and how they're addressing the pressing issues of the day," said Steve Chaggaris, Washington Bureau Chief.

Commenting on the success of the initiative, Scott Livingston, SVP of News for Sinclair said, “Since its launch, we have seen Connect to Congress grow to become a prime media destination for Members of Congress to connect directly with constituents in their home districts. Nielsen data shows the reach of Sinclair’s local newscasts far exceeds those of national cable news in the same time periods, reaffirming local stations as one of the best ways to reach an audience.”

About Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local sports and news. The Company owns and/or operates 21 regional sports network brands; owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets, owns multiple national networks including Tennis Channel and Stadium; and has TV stations affiliated with all the major broadcast networks. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and digital and streaming platforms NewsOn and STIRR. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

Jessica Bellucci

Jessica@BellucciMedia.com

Source: Sinclair Broadcast Group

FAQ

What is Sinclair Broadcast Group's <i>Connect to Congress</i> initiative?

Connect to Congress is a multimedia program that connects Members of Congress with local constituents through interviews on Sinclair's news stations.

When was <i>Connect to Congress</i> launched?

The initiative was launched in 2015 and has been relaunched after a hiatus in 2021.

How many interviews does <i>Connect to Congress</i> conduct annually?

The program conducts over 300 interviews each year.

What impact does <i>Connect to Congress</i> have on local news viewership?

According to Nielsen, Sinclair's local newscasts have a greater reach than national cable news, promoting local involvement.

What problem does <i>Connect to Congress</i> aim to address?

The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between constituents and their political leaders amid growing feelings of disconnection.

Sinclair, Inc.

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