Sinclair buys Fox Sports Detroit, Disney's sister and sister networks



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The New York Yankees have decided to buy their network from the group, removing a jewel of the crown worth about $ 4 billion. And several potential contenders, such as Comcast Corp., Discovery Inc. and the new Fox Corp. himself, withdrew from the conflict for the remaining networks.

This has hurt Disney's ability to win the prize. Analysts initially estimated that the collection could reach between $ 20 and $ 22 billion, but bids for the 21 properties – not including the Yankees – were considerably lower.

Disney bankers have suggested turning networks into networks for the benefit of shareholders, rather than selling them. But the company remained attached to the auction.

Sinclair has been one of the most successful broadcast companies in years, but that would mark a new direction. Previously, it focused more on the collection of local TV channels, becoming the dominant society in this field.

"Sinclair does not have much experience in major markets, be it in the production or production sector," said Matt Friedman, former news producer at WDIV and co-founder of public relations firm Tanner Friedman at Farmington Hills. "They will have to get up to speed quickly and not make the mistakes of radio owners, who grew up quickly and acquired stations in major markets, like Detroit, when they were used to much smaller cities. Some of these operators have gone bankrupt.It's a different game here, so to speak – a game that they will have to learn. "

Friedman warned that Sinclair will have to rely on the "talent and technology" that allowed Fox Sports Detroit to compete with national television, in terms of quality, and that fans are now waiting. The public is also expecting local shows and local talent, he said.

"If Sinclair tries to skimp on that … the sporting public will have no tolerance for that," he said.

Fox's sports networks would give Sinclair a major base in cable television and the kind of live programming that advertisers like. The chains serve cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta and Detroit, with major professional league games.

Sinclair already has sports assets, including Tennis Channel and the Ring of Honor wrestling circuit.

-The activities of Crain Strait contributed to this report.

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