Armstrong Williams purchases TV stations

Armstrong Williams’ company has recently acquired two television stations as the conservative commentator enters the media ownership business.

Williams’ Howard Stirk Holdings LLC announced today that it had completed negotiations to acquire stations in Flint, Mich., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., as part of the larger $370 million purchase of the Barrington Broadcast Group LLC holdings by the Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. Another part of the deal included Sinclair also purchasing the broadcast assets of 18 television stations owned by Barrington and entering into agreements to operate or provide sales services to six more television stations.

Williams said that this new development quenched his desire to own and run something in an industry that has helped make him.

“Today’s announcement fulfills a lifelong dream to own and operate broadcast facilities and give back to an industry that I love,” said Williams in a statement. “I have been privileged to work with the Sinclair Broadcast Group for years, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity it has provided. Many in the industry talk about diversity and expanding opportunity, but here the Sinclair Broadcast Group is putting words into action.”

For over two decades, Williams has produced and hosted public affairs and entertainment programs. From 2001 to 2003, Williams also served as the chief operating officer of the Renaissance TV Cable Network, where he managed the staff, programming, advertising and development of prime-time specials.

Currently, Sinclair Broadcast Group owns and operates programs or provides sales to 87 television stations in 47 markets with a reach of about 27 percent of U.S. television households. These stations include FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC and Azteca affiliates. Sinclair is the largest independent owner of broadcast television stations.

As per procedure, the new acquisitions are subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission and antitrust authorities. According to Howard Stirk Holdings, the deal’s official closing should happen by the summer.