FCC Order to Refer Sinclair/Tribune Divestiture Issues to ALJ Getting Majority Support
The draft FCC hearing designation order for an administrative law judge hearing on issues involving some proposed divestitures in Sinclair's planned buy of Tribune is getting majority support from commissioners, we're told. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said she voted to OK the HDO, shortly after Chairman Ajit Pai announced he had circulated it. Commissioner Brendan Carr also is voting yes, an official said.
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Commissioner Mike O'Rielly's office is talking with Pai's office about changing the draft to address O'Rielly's concerns it should add timelines, deadlines or other such "structure" to the process, said the member's chief of staff, Brooke Ericson. Commission representatives didn't comment right away.
Stock of the two TV-station owners further declined following the announcement Monday. Sinclair closed down 12 percent at $29.10 and Tribune fell 17 percent to $32.12. Tribune declined to comment and Sinclair didn't reply to queries.
An earlier bulletin on Pai's announcement is now in front of the Communications Daily pay wall: https://communicationsdaily.com/featured. Subscribers can read more about this development in the next regular issue.