The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to determine whether collaboration between Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Tribune Media Co. and other independent TV station owners resulted in higher ad prices, The Wall Street Journal reported July 26, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.

Government officials initiated the review after discovering the alleged ad sales practice during the review of Sinclair's proposed acquisition of Tribune, the sources said.

"It is our policy not to comment on a potential investigation," a Sinclair spokesman reportedly said in a statement. "It is our understanding that this is not specific to Sinclair but focuses on the larger broadcast industry."