BALTIMORE, Sept. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ :SBGI ) today announced its partnership with The Salvation Army to aid ongoing disaster relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Florence. Sinclair will hold a National Day of Giving on September 20th, encouraging viewers to help those struggling to rebuild. As part of the relief effort, Sinclair will match the first $100,000 of the funds raised nationally. To donate, please visit http://sinclaircares.helpsalvationarmy.org.
“Through the ‘Stand Strong for the Carolinas’ relief fund, Sinclair will be able to use our national reach to make an impact on the local communities we serve. We are hopeful that this will make a difference for those who have been impacted by this devastating hurricane,” said Scott Livingston, Sinclair’s Senior Vice President for News. “We strongly encourage our viewers to join us in these efforts and donate what they can.”
As Hurricane Florence pummeled the Carolinas, Sinclair and its affiliate stations provided viewers with continuous coverage in multiple markets and across its digital platforms. With at least eight markets directly in the path of the storm, Sinclair was able to ensure that critical information was delivered promptly. Even after the staff at its WCTI station in New Bern, N.C. was forced to evacuate in response to dangerous conditions and flash flooding, the station continued to provide crucial, up-to-date information by working with its sister station WPDE in Myrtle Beach, S.C. In total, WPDE broadcast 54 hours of live, around-the-clock coverage, and will continue to do so as the storm’s impact is fully assessed and recovery efforts ramp up. Stations will also carry additional information regarding the “Stand Strong for the Carolinas” initiative.
“I want to thank New Bern’s WCTI team for doing an incredible job during this challenging time, showing a tireless effort to empower our viewers with continuous coverage and life-saving updates. As part of the Sinclair family, we are lucky to have access to a network of stations across the country that offer support in times of disaster,” said WCTI’s General Manager, Matt Bowman. “I would also like to thank the first responders here in North Carolina, South Carolina, and those who traveled from other states to assist. In times like this, we all owe our utmost gratitude to the men and women who go out at the height of the storm to help our neighbors in need.”
With towns across the Carolinas still being impacted by heavy rains and flash flooding, the full effects of the Florence are yet to be determined. Sinclair will continue to provide its viewers with up-to-date coverage as it becomes available.
Donations for the “Stand Strong for the Carolinas” relief fund will be accepted at http://sinclaircares.helpsalvationarmy.org.
About Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Sinclair is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 191 television stations in 89 markets. Sinclair is a leading local news provider in the country and operates the greatest number of award-winning newsrooms in the industry and is dedicated to impactful journalism with a local focus. The Company has multiple national networks, live local sports production, as well as stations affiliated with all the major networks. 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
SOURCE Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.