By Barry O’Connell
In a state where political influence is often loud and theatrical, David Deniston Smith prefers the shadows. But make no mistake—he’s one of the most powerful men in Maryland. As chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of WBFF Fox 45, and now the Baltimore Sun, Smith controls the narrative for millions. And yet, for someone with such reach, his personal story remains curiously underreported.
🧬 Family Ties & Quiet Wealth
Smith’s mother, Carolyn Cunningham, is the daughter of John Paterakis Sr., the late founder of H&S Bakery, which supplies hamburger buns to McDonald’s across the U.S.. That makes Smith part of the Paterakis dynasty, a family whose real estate and baking empire helped shape Baltimore’s skyline and economy.
While Smith’s personal net worth is estimated between $80 million and $325 million, the combined Smith-Paterakis family fortune is likely in the billion-dollar range, thanks to trusts, real estate holdings, and media assets.
🏛️ Media as a Political Weapon?
Smith’s critics say he’s not just a businessman—he’s a political operator. His outlets have consistently targeted Baltimore’s Democratic leadership, especially Mayor Brandon Scott. In 2024, Smith and his nephew Alex Smith poured over $800,000 into PACs supporting Sheila Dixon, a former mayor with a criminal record, in an attempt to unseat Scott.
The strategy failed. Voters rejected Dixon, and Scott used his victory speech to call out Smith’s influence:
> “Baltimore, tonight you said very clearly that your democracy is not for sale, no matter how rich they are.”
Smith’s media empire has also pushed conservative “must-run” segments across Sinclair stations nationwide, including pro-Trump commentary and anti-Democratic narratives. In 2016, he reportedly told Trump, “We are here to deliver your message. Period.”
🧍 Personal Life & Controversies
Smith is married to Jane Smith, but little is publicly known about his children. He’s been described as abrasive and controlling, and his business dealings have raised eyebrows. In 1996, he was involved in a prostitution sting using a Sinclair company vehicle.
His acquisition of the Baltimore Sun in 2024 marked a turning point. The paper now republishes WBFF content and features columns by Smith’s daughter, further blurring the line between journalism and propaganda.
🧠 Philosophy or Something Darker?
Is David Smith simply a man with a different philosophy—or something more sinister? His critics see him as a grifter in a tailored suit, using the media to undermine honest governance and elevate candidates who serve his interests. Others argue he’s just a businessman with strong opinions.
But in a city like Baltimore, where systemic inequities run deep, Smith’s influence feels less like free speech and more like strategic sabotage.
📎 Footnotes
1. Our Story – Kneads Bakeshop & Café
This bakery is operated by descendants of John Paterakis Sr., tying the legacy of H&S Bakery to Baltimore’s civic and culinary culture.
URL: https://www.kneadsbakeshop.com/our-story/
2. The Greek Who Sold Bread to McDonald’s – GreekReporter
A profile of John Paterakis Sr. and how his baking empire scaled nationally through a partnership with McDonald’s.
URL: https://greekreporter.com/2012/09/17/the-greek-who-sold-bread-to-mcdonalds/
3. H&S Bakery Rises to the Occasion – Beacon Newspapers
This piece outlines the growth of H&S Bakery and its deep roots in Baltimore’s economic and immigrant history.
URL: https://www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/hs-bakery-rises-to-the-occasion/
4. Widow of Bakery Tycoon Withdraws Lawsuit – Tobin O’Connor Ewing
Details Carolyn Cunningham’s legal history around family inheritance, touching on her role as Paterakis' daughter.
5. Paterakis’ Widow Settles Lawsuit – Daily Record
Coverage of a multimillion-dollar legal dispute between Paterakis’ widow and his children, providing insight into family assets.
6. Baltimore’s Baker of Breads – H&S Bakery Website
The company profile that confirms H&S’s scale and impact as McDonald’s primary bun supplier.
7. The Smith Family Gets a Slapback – Baltimore Brew
This investigative article lays out David Smith’s political maneuvering and the public’s rejection of his influence in the 2024 mayoral race.