Television station owner Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. on Monday revised its outlook for fourth-quarter net broadcast revenue to a better-than-expected $153.8 million, or 6.5 percent lower than the fourth quarter of 2008. The Hunt Valley-based broadcaster had previously anticipated net broadcast revenue, from advertising on its stations, of $143.3 million to $146.3 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, or a drop of 11 percent to 12.8 percent. Sinclair, which owns, operates or programs 58 U.S. stations, including Fox 45 in Baltimore, said it has seen advertising revenue improve in the automobile sector because of increased spending on ads by dealers and domestic manufacturers. The company will report fourth quarter earnings Feb. 17.

- Lorraine Mirabella