FCC Blocks Sinclair-Tribune Merger; Sinclair Revises Deal

By Meha Ahmad
Sinclair Broadcast Group is facing a new delay in its plan to buy Tribune Media and add more local stations to its stable.
Sinclair Broadcast Group is facing a new delay in its plan to buy Tribune Media and add more local stations to its stable.
Sinclair Broadcast Group is facing a new delay in its plan to buy Tribune Media and add more local stations to its stable.
Sinclair Broadcast Group is facing a new delay in its plan to buy Tribune Media and add more local stations to its stable.

FCC Blocks Sinclair-Tribune Merger; Sinclair Revises Deal

By Meha Ahmad
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The head of the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday moved to thwart Sinclair Broadcasting Group’s proposed acquisition of Tribune Media saying he has “serious concerns” about the merger.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai recommended an administrative law judge review the acquisition. That recommendation was approved, throwing a wrench in the $3.9 billion deal.

NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik joins the Morning Shift to break down the details of the deal, what it would mean for Chicago’s media landscape, and whether or not the deal has a future without FCC support.

GUEST: David Folkenflik, NPR media correspondent

LEARN MORE: FCC Blocks Sinclair-Tribune Deal (NPR 7/16/18)

FCC chair’s ‘serious concerns’ over WGN sale puts Sinclair-Tribune Media merger in jeopardy (Chicago Tribune 7/16/18)

Sinclair Revises Divestiture Plan to Save Tribune Merger, Denies Misleading FCC (Variety, 7/18/18)