IBEW, Public Interest Groups Seek Senate Dems' Hold on Pai Reconfirmation Over Sinclair Concerns

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and three left-leaning public interest groups urged Senate Democrats Wednesday to place a hold on FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's reconfirmation amid concerns about what the groups believe is special FCC treatment of Sinclair. Several Senate Democrats said they plan to focus a floor debate on Pai's reconfirmation on their concerns about FCC handling of controversial policy issues under Pai, including Sinclair's proposed buy of Tribune. Senate Republicans are aiming to bring Pai up for a final vote before the Columbus Day recess (see 1709130054 and 1709150060). Congress “seems to be asleep at the wheel” on Sinclair/Tribune given that key congressional committees haven't held hearings on the deal and have given no indication they plan to do so, said Allied Progress Executive Director Karl Frisch during a conference call with reporters: “I don't think there should be a vote” on Pai's reconfirmation to a new five-year term “until some serious questions are answered and until hearings are held in Congress" on Sinclair/Tribune. A hold on Pai would be “first step” to allow hearings to occur, Frisch said. IBEW also supports a hold on Pai to allow Congress to “look at the steps that [Pai] is taking” that affect Sinclair, including reinstatement of the UHF discount, said International Representative Vinny Butler. Senators “should be prepared to ask tough questions” about Sinclair/Tribune, said Credo Action Campaign Manager Brandy Doyle. Pai recently told several top House Democrats that Sinclair hasn't received any special treatment, noting any actions that affect the company “have been motivated by my belief that a strong over the air broadcast service advances the public interest” (see 1709190060). The FCC, the House and Senate Commerce committees and Sinclair didn't comment.