Sinclair Broadcast Group's (Nasdaq: SBGI) 173 television stations across the country and corporate office have raised almost $1.35 million for the Hurricane Harvey relief effort with more donations still coming in. In addition, Sinclair donated $100,000, bringing the total raised to almost $1.45 million. On Friday, September 1st, Sinclair stations held a coordinated Sinclair Cares "Standing Strong for Texas" relief effort, in which viewers were encouraged to contribute to the Salvation Army, who will be helping the hurricane victims.
"The outpouring of support and generosity across the country by viewers and employees was beyond expectations," said Chris Ripley, Sinclair's CEO and President. "Local broadcast television stations are an integral part of every American community. We had very hard-hit stations ourselves in Corpus Christi and Beaumont, and that devastation spoke to the hearts of all of us at Sinclair. We are extremely proud of our employees who rose to the challenge not only to get behind the relief effort, but to find creative ways to involve other businesses and raise funds; all for the very important cause to help Texas rebuild."
"Sinclair Cares and the 'Standing Strong for Texas' initiative have and will continue to make a powerful impact on the lives of Hurricane Harvey survivors," said Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "They jumped to the aid of others when they were most desperate; and their efforts, and the efforts of their viewers, will be felt by thousands."
The funds will be used by the Salvation Army to provide a variety of goods and services to those most in need following Hurricane Harvey. This relief is provided in the form of hot meals, drinks, snacks, food boxes, clean up and comfort kits, and monetary donations for replacing clothes and helping to repair homes.
To ensure life-saving coverage to the citizens of Texas, Sinclair's corporate news team dispatched crews from sister stations in Amarillo, El Paso, Harlingen, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Pensacola, Mobile, Birmingham, Little Rock, West Palm Beach, Asheville and Las Vegas. When Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, a total of 14 Sinclair stations from in and around the hurricane-affected area joined forces to cover the story. Crews were stationed throughout southeast Texas including at Rockport, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, Beaumont, and Houston.
About Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Sinclair is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country. Pro forma for the Tribune acquisition (before any related divestitures) and all previously announced pending transactions, the Company will own, operate and/or provide services to 233 television stations in 108 markets. The Company has multiple emerging networks as well as stations affiliated with all the major networks. Sinclair is a leading local news provider in the country and a producer of live sports content. Sinclair's content is delivered via multiple-platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and digital platforms. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net
