Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. has started a new division to invest in emerging digital technologies and companies that create digital content, part of an effort to attract viewers and advertisers to the TV station owner’s digital channels.
Sinclair Digital Ventures will look to invest in smaller companies with products and services that can complement the broadcaster’s web and mobile sites, said David Amy, chief operating officer of the Hunt Valley company.
“Expansion of our digital footprint is integral to our longer term growth plan, especially as viewing consumption trends evolve,” said David Smith, Sinclair’s president and CEO, in the Thursday announcement. The division will seek partner companies “whose products or services can help engage consumers and advertisers on multiple screens — web, social media and mobile apps.”
Smith said the company is eyeing several potential investments whose products enhance users’ digital experience or improve digital content.
The division will be overseen by Amy, Chris Ripley, Sinclair’s CFO, and Rob Weisbord, chief operating officer of Sinclair Digital Group.
lorraine.mirabella@baltsun.com
