Sinclair’s Political Shooting Through the Roof

After reporting 2Q political ad revenues that were nearly triple company guidance, Sinclair Broadcast Group is telling Wall Street to expect an even bigger haul in the third quarter. And the records set this year could be toppled in future elections. “We are dealing at never-before-seen levels. Including [recently acquired] Four Points and Freedom, when you compare this election to the 2008 presidential race, political is expected to be up 85% through the third quarter and we believe that we will exceed the $34 million of political reported in the fourth quarter of 2008, including the acquisitions,” Steve Marks, COO-television, told analysts this morning. Yes, that 85% number is a same-station number, Sinclair management confirmed later in the conference call, when one analyst checked to be sure. The current Sinclair group is projected to see political ad revenues for 2012 rise 85% from what Sinclair-Freedom-Four Points booked in 2008.