Sinclair Broadcast Group confirmed Monday that it will relaunch and build the Circa brand, which it acquired in August for $800,000.

The three-year-old mobile-first news startup went dark this summer after it was unable to raise additional investment. At its peak, the well-received Circa News reached 300,000 unique mobile users, according to Sinclair. 

"We decided to purchase the Circa brand and reader-friendly, patented technology, rather than take years to build ourselves," stated Rob Weisbord, vice president and chief operating officer of Sinclair's Digital Group, in a statement. "The Circa app will be re-designed, re-imagined and re-launched as one of the most innovative news gathering, reporting and audience-building digital platforms." 

The focus will be on delivering news to a young audience by using, among other techniques, heavy short and long form video optimized for mobile and social engagement as well as  “four-dimensional” and interactive reporting. 

The new Circa will remain an independent organization led by John Solomon as chief creative officer. He comes from The Washington Times where he was vice president for content and business development. 

Sinclair is a diversified television broadcasting company headquartered in Hunt Valley, Md.