Amid significant opposition, FCC pauses Sinclair-Tribune review for more public comment

The FCC’s Media Bureau paused the 180-day Sinclair-Tribune merger review shot clock, allowing the public submit additional comments in the merger proceeding. The pause comes as the merger faces significant opposition from broad coalition of stakeholders – across the industry, across the political spectrum, even from within the FCC – urging a rejection of the massive, $3.9 billion consolidation.

“In the interest of a complete record, we are establishing an additional opportunity for comment,” the FCC Media Bureau said in a press release.  “The Commission has a strong interest in ensuring a full and complete record upon which to base its decision in this proceeding. Pausing the clock will ensure that commenters have additional time to review and comment on this new information.”

The Commission paused the review shot clock until Nov. 2, 2017, when comments are due.

The Coalition to Save Local Media, a diverse coalition opposed to the merger, released an ad encouraging the public to voice their opposition to the merger. Watch below:

Links:

FCC delays Sinclair-Tribune review to allow for more public input (The Hill, Oct. 18, 2017)

CWA, NABET, and The NewsGuild join opposition to Sinclair-Tribune merger (Speed Matters, Aug. 31, 2017)

Opposition to Sinclair-Tribune merger grows on left and right (Speed Matters, Aug. 11, 2017)

Commissioner Rosenworcel decries Sinclair-Tribune merger (Speed Matters, Oct. 13, 2017)

Sinclair to buy Tribune for $3.9 billion (Speed Matters, May 12, 2017)

Media Bureau Pauses 180-Day Transaction Shot Clock in the Proceeding for Transfer of Control of Tribune Media Company to Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. to Allow for Additional Comment (FCC, Oct. 18, 2017)