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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMaria Cantwell Leads Democratic Senators in Call for Scrutiny of Sinclair-Tribune Broadcasting Deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. In a letter today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) led seven of her Senate colleagues urging Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the chairmen of the Senate Commerce and Judiciary Committees, to examine the pending sale of Tribune Media to Sinclair Broadcasting.
Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Al Franken (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Cantwell in signing the letter.
With the acquisition of Tribune Media, Sinclair would have the market power of an unprecedented 200 stations. Smaller stations would have difficulty recruiting top talent and matching Sinclairs rates for broadcasting content and fees for retransmission. An already challenging business environment for small stations will be made untenable for many by the creation of a Sinclair conglomerate. The proportion of stations owned by women and minorities is abysmally low and would be driven down further by the deal.
We are concerned about the level of media concentration this merger creates, and its impact on the public interest, wrote the Senators. In light of these concerns, we believe that Senate hearings would provide critical transparency for the many American consumers who will be impacted by the deal and greater accountability from the companies who must demonstrate that the deal serves the public interest.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-leads-democratic-senators-in-call-for-scrutiny-of-sinclair-tribune-broadcasting-deal-senate-hearings
mhw
(678 posts)They give honor to their oath.
kimbutgar
(21,207 posts)The Democrats need to find that spine in their closets and speak out now more than ever.
spanone
(135,884 posts)american_ideals
(613 posts)And that's saying something.
It is a huge huge deal that RW propanganda outlet Sinclair is taking over so many local news stations. If this goes through get ready for losing many more propagandized votes from the working and middle classes..
KelleyKramer
(8,983 posts)Just as important as when Clear Channel took over the US radio market
Thanks for posting
onenote
(42,768 posts)That would take the Trump DOJ or the Trump FCC standing up to Sinclair. I just can't see that happening.