Here's the explanation:
The point was never for Sinclair to actually run the special during a salable daypart on their valuable, irreplaceable air. The point was to announce they would run the special so they could win MAGA credits for it. Credits will not be deducted for not actually airing it—all anyone in MAGA world cares about is that Sinclair announced to the rest of the world that they would run the special which, to everyone in MAGA world, is just as good as actually running it. The main thing needed from Sinclair was the appearance of bending the knee to the regime, which satisfies the regime's ego, and also, effectively maintains a favorable business environment for Sinclair.
In that light, mission accomplished, one hundred percent.