San Francisco

SINCLAIR Broadcast Group Inc is nearing a deal to acquire Tribune Media Co for close to US$4 billion after prevailing in an auction for one of the largest US television station operators, according to people familiar with the matter.

A potential deal for Tribune was likely as soon as Monday, just weeks after the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to reverse a 2016 decision that limits the number of television stations some broadcasters can buy.