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Fox in Talks With Ion Media to Operate Local TV Stations, Source Says

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  • Joint venture is said to include Ion, Fox-owned stations
  • Fox is said to mull moving affiliation from Sinclair channels

21st Century Fox Inc. is in talks to operate local television stations across the U.S. with Ion Media Networks Inc., potentially paving the way for Fox to dump Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. as an affiliate partner, a person familiar with the situation said.

Closely held Ion would contribute its more than 60 independent stations to the joint venture, while Fox would throw in its 28 local stations, which include big markets such as New York and Los Angeles. As part of the deal, Fox would consider switching its affiliation to Ion from Sinclair for 26 stations that are up for renewal this year, said the person, who asked not to be identified.