House Democrats seek probe of FCC chairman's treatment of Sinclair

Source: Reuters




NOVEMBER 13, 2017 / 3:15 PM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two U.S. House Democrats on Monday asked the Federal Communications Commission inspector general to probe whether FCC Chairman Ajit Pai was biased in favor of Sinclair Broadcast Group, which is seeking approval of a $3.9 billion acquisition of Tribune Media Co.

Representatives Frank Pallone and Elijah Cummings cited FCC decisions that benefited Sinclair, the largest U.S. television broadcast group, and a media report last year that the election campaign of President Donald Trump struck a deal with Sinclair for favorable coverage.

“All of these actions – when taken in context with reported meetings between the Trump administration, Sinclair, and Chairman Pai’s office – have raised serious concerns about whether Chairman Pai’s actions comply with the FCC’s mandate to be independent,” the pair wrote.

Advocacy group Free Press said in an FCC filing in August that Sinclair forces its stations to “air pro-Trump propaganda and then seeks favors from the Trump administration.”


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tribune-media-m-a-sinclair-ma/house-democrats-seek-probe-of-fcc-chairmans-treatment-of-sinclair-idUSKBN1DD2HP