The Coalition to Save Local Media issued the following statement in response to today’s FCC meeting:
“Today the FCC acted to weaken media consolidation rules that pave an easier path for the proposed Sinclair-Tribune mega-merger. In addition, the FCC took steps to rush the implementation of a new television standard on which Sinclair holds patents in a manner that could force consumers to purchase new equipment to receive broadcast programming and raise consumer costs. This proposed merger will stifle local and independent media voices and hurt consumers.
“Countless parties have raised serious questions to this merger including media organizations, distributors, independent networks, public interest groups, labor, and four state Attorneys General, including the Attorney General from both Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tribune Media’s home states. But thus far in this process, Sinclair has utterly failed to prove that their proposed merger is in the public interest and has only provided vague promises, incomplete answers, and unpersuasive evidence.
“The FCC, Department of Justice, and other parties must continue to investigate this proposed mega-merger. This merger should be denied.”