Sinclair's Programming Pivot: A New Era Begins with Howitt's Retirement

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (SBGI) has announced the retirement of Dave Howitt, Senior Vice President of Programming, effective March 31, 2025. Howitt's departure marks the end of an era for Sinclair, as he leaves behind a legacy of strategic programming decisions that have shaped the company's growth and success over the past three decades. As Sinclair looks to the future, the promotions of Linda Greenwald and Matthew Diehlmann to Directors of Programming signal a new chapter in the company's programming strategy.



Howitt's tenure at Sinclair has been characterized by his expertise in syndicated programming acquisition and scheduling. Under his leadership, Sinclair has secured popular shows like "The X-Files," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "SG-1," "Outer Limits," and "Farscape" for Comet, Sinclair's science-fiction focused channel. His ability to navigate the ever-changing media landscape and adapt to new technologies has been instrumental in Sinclair's growth and success.

However, Sinclair faces new challenges in the form of increasing competition from streaming services and a soft ad market. The promotions of Greenwald and Diehlmann come at a critical juncture, as Sinclair seeks to maintain its position as a leading provider of local news and sports. Both executives bring unique perspectives and extensive experience to their new roles, which will be crucial in helping Sinclair adapt to these challenges and continue to deliver high-quality content to its viewers.



As Sinclair looks to the future, the company will need to continue to innovate and adapt to the changing media landscape. The promotions of Greenwald and Diehlmann, along with the retirement of Howitt, signal a new era for Sinclair's programming strategy. By leveraging the expertise and experience of these executives, Sinclair can continue to deliver high-quality content to its viewers while maximizing advertising revenues and maintaining its position as a leading provider of local news and sports.

In conclusion, the retirement of Dave Howitt and the promotions of Linda Greenwald and Matthew Diehlmann mark a significant turning point for Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. As Sinclair looks to the future, the company will need to continue to innovate and adapt to the changing media landscape. By leveraging the expertise and experience of these executives, Sinclair can continue to deliver high-quality content to its viewers while maximizing advertising revenues and maintaining its position as a leading provider of local news and sports.