Sinclair CEO Wants Feds To Clamp Down On National Networks

Sinclair Broadcast Group CEO Chris Ripley labeled Disney’s blackout of its channels on YouTube TV an antitrust violation during the company’s Q3 earnings call on November 5, 2025, demanding federal regulators intervene to stop national networks from controlling local station distribution on streaming platforms.

The dispute, which began October 30, removed Disney’s full lineup—including all ABC stations (among them Sinclair’s 38 affiliates), ESPN, FX, and Freeform—from YouTube TV’s 10 million subscribers after failed contract talks. YouTube TV cut its price by $10 to $72.99/month and directed customers to Disney-owned Hulu + Live TV.

Chris Ripley

Ripley argued Disney’s ability to unilaterally pull local stations violates the Communications Act and constitutes an illegal vertical restraint, forcing viewers to buy additional Disney services for content they already paid for. 

Sinclair pays Disney hundreds of millions annually in affiliate fees, yet has no say in whether its ABC stations appear on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo—all now Disney-controlled.Sinclair has briefed the FCC and DOJ, which have opened a docket on harmful network-affiliation practices. 

Ripley called on Congress and regulators to halt the practice, warning it undermines local news, emergency alerts, and viewer access—especially after blacking out Election Night coverage and two Monday Night Football games.

This marks YouTube TV’s third major blackout in six weeks, following disputes with Univision and NBCU, as virtual MVPDs clash with networks over rising per-subscriber fees.