Sinclair's 4Q profit soars on political, automotive spending

Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc.’s profit more than doubled in the fourth quarter, driven by strong automotive and political advertising spending.

The Hunt Valley owner and operator of television stations posted a profit of $59.4 million, or 73 cents per share, during the quarter. That was up from $23.2 million, or 28 cents, per share in the year-ago quarter.

Revenue rose nearly 59 percent to $287.1 million, up from $180.8 million a year ago.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters projected earnings…