What really squelched the movie in theaters was the Viet Nam vet that came out promising to sue because he was portrayed in an untruthful manner derogatorily. Theaters dropped it like a hotcake rather than get sued.
Sinclar had to cave
A. because it knows it's action is wrong
B. consumers exercised their option to protest
C. Sinclar is being sued by shareholders for their irresponsibility and for alleged short sales of stock
D. they had delivered just cause for people to file complaints with FCC and protest renewal of their licenses
E. Sinclair is heavily in debt and can be pushed over the brink, not that the insiders mind, they sold most/all their stock at highs this year
F. Kerry etal rightfully asked for equal time
G. Someone popped up with the money, private couple, to buy an hour's time and air pro-Kerry
Sinclair couldn't allow any pro Kerry programming.