Arguments by Tribune and some investors were unavailing that the...

Arguments by Tribune and some investors were unavailing that the company’s planned transfer of waivers of FCC rules on cross-ownership of daily newspapers and radio or TV stations in the same city should be approved (CD July 2 p3), opponents said in replies last week in docket 10-104. “Nothing in any of these filings, separately or collectively, provides a basis for the Commission to approve Tribune’s Applications” to assign broadcast licenses as part of exiting bankruptcy, said Wilmington Trust. It holds $1.2 billion in Tribune debt due in 2029. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said arguments by Tribune and unsecured creditors opposing the union’s request that the commission not approve the deal lack merit. The company “misconstrues the purpose” of cross-ownership rules, said the Public Interest Petitioners, which include Free Press, National Hispanic Media Coalition and United Church of Christ. “Tribune’s opposition fails to reverse or rebut the presumption that its cross-ownerships are not in the public interest."