Don't OK Sinclair/Tribune Without Relaxing Ownership Rules, Steinman Urges FCC

The FCC shouldn’t approve Sinclair buying Tribune without first relaxing newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rules, said newspaper publisher Steinman Communications in reply comments posted Tuesday in docket 17-179. Sinclair said in opposition comments (see 1708230061) it wants the FCC to rule on the deal after the outcome of expected action to relax ownership rules, Steinman said. The FCC shouldn’t allow Tribune's buyout without also removing barriers to newspapers making deals, Steinman said. “Steinman’s publications would face a strengthened, consolidated media competitor for audience and advertisers, while Steinman would be barred from similar market efficiencies.” The FCC should deny Sinclair/Tribune and Congress should hold hearings "to more thoroughly understand the media landscape and how critical independent local broadcast stations are in a democracy,” said Computer & Communications Industry Association President Ed Black in a news release on CCIA's replies filed in docket 17-179. "Sinclair has failed to show any tangible way" that the deal benefits the public interest, CCIA said. "Anyone who values decentralized government control, states rights and independent voices should oppose this merger that would harm citizens and weaken our democracy," Black said.