Sinclair Forecasts $455 Million in Political Ad Revenue

The broadcaster raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook as midterm election spending is expected to boost its results.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Advertising

Sinclair Forecasts $455 Million in Political Ad Revenue

Sinclair forecast about $455 million in preliminary full-year 2026 political advertising revenue and raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook to $825 million-$835 million. The company issued the revised forecasts on Nov. 4.

Why it matters

The revised outlook reflects strong political advertising demand heading into the 2026 election cycle, a key revenue driver for broadcast television companies. Broadcast television was projected to lead the 2025-26 election advertising market with $5.6 billion in spending.

Sinclair recorded $59 million in second-quarter political advertising revenue, 9% higher than the same quarter of 2022. The $455 million full-year figure remains a preliminary forecast, and final results will depend on election-season spending.

The players

Sinclair, Inc.

Sinclair is a major American television broadcasting company that owns and operates local television stations across the United States.

The details

Sinclair's political advertising guidance had been at least $375 million since Aug. 5, up from at least $333 million before that date. The company's adjusted EBITDA measure excludes interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, along with additional company-specified adjustments.

Aug. 5, 2026: Sinclair raised its political advertising guidance from at least $333 million.
Second quarter 2026: Sinclair recorded $59 million in political advertising revenue.
Nov. 4, 2026: Sinclair forecast $455 million in political advertising revenue and raised its EBITDA outlook.

Market Landscape

Broadcast television was projected to lead the 2025-26 election advertising market with $5.6 billion in spending. Sinclair's raised political advertising forecast places the company to capture a meaningful portion of that broadcast-driven demand.

Heavier political advertising during the 2026 cycle may mean more campaign ads on local broadcast channels for viewers in the coming months. Advertisers and candidates should expect competition for airtime to intensify as spending builds toward the midterms.

The takeaway

Political advertising can meaningfully lift broadcast revenue in election years, but forecasts remain preliminary until the cycle concludes. Readers following media company results should watch whether actual spending matches the projected $455 million.