Allied Progress Files Public Comment Calling on FCC to Deny Sinclair-Tribune Merger

August 7, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, consumer watchdog organization Allied Progress expressed opposition to the pending Sinclair-Tribune merger in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If approved, Sinclair would have monopolistic control over a staggering 233 local news station, reaching more than 72 percent of American households.

Read the filing from Allied Progress by clicking here.

“Sinclair has a long track record of taking over respected stations, gutting local news coverage that communities rely on, and poisoning broadcasts with a partisan political agenda experts have called propaganda,” said Karl Frisch, Executive Director of Allied Progress.

He continued, “Anyone who cares about quality local news coverage should be deeply concerned with this proposed merger. The FCC has a statutory responsibility to act in the public’s interest – a role that has never been more important in the face of mergers like this that help corporate interests at the expense of consumers.”

The merger faces growing opposition from industry groups, consumer watchdogs and members of Congress. That list includes the American Cable Association, DISH Network and conservative Newsmax among others. Sinclair also saw stocks drop last week after 21^st Century Fox Entertainment, the parent company of rival Fox News Channel, floated the possibility that it may pull its local affiliates off of Sinclair stations.

To speak with Karl Frisch about the proposed Sinclair-Tribune merger, contact Tucker Middleton at 202-644-8526 or tucker@alliedprogress.org.

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Allied Progress is a consumer watchdog that uses hard-hitting research and creative campaigns to stand up to corporate special interests and hold their allies in Congress and the White House accountable.