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AG Madigan opposes Tribune Media merger with Sinclair

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Illinois

* Press release…

Attorney General Lisa Madigan today led a multistate group of attorneys general in filing comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opposing the proposed merger between the Tribune Media Company (Tribune) and Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. (Sinclair). Madigan and the other attorneys general argue the potential merger fails to further the public interest by allowing for increased consolidation that will decrease consumer choices and a diversity of voices in the media marketplace.

The Tribune/Sinclair merger would create the largest television broadcast company in the country. The merged company would own or operate over 200 stations nationwide with the ability to reach 72 percent of U.S. television households, far above the statutory 39 percent limit.

“To ensure people have access to a diverse landscape of perspectives, services and stations, the FCC should reject the proposed Tribune-Sinclair media merger,” Madigan said. “People throughout Illinois depend on their local broadcast stations for diverse viewpoints and this merger threatens that long-held practice.”

In addition, Madigan and the other attorneys general point out that the proposed merger inappropriately relies on an outdated method known as the UHF Discount Rule for calculating national audience reach that does not reflect the reality of today’s technology, understating the audience reach of a UHF station by 50 percent.

The attorneys general argue that, at a minimum, the FCC should delay consideration of the merger until the D.C. Circuit Court completes its rule of the UHF Discount, which is underway.

Joining Madigan in filing today’s comments are the attorneys general of Maryland, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The comments are here.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 2:41 pm

Comments

All UHF metrics must first be vetted by the Yankovic Council.

Comment by City Zen Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 2:55 pm
The whole reason Tribune Co. sawed off their gangrenous newspapers after coming out of bankruptcy was for this score.

I wonder what the long-term future is for broadcast stations. Do you know anyone under 30 that watches broadcast TV on a regular basis?

Cheeseheads might want to think about that on their payoff on that Foxconn TV screens factory.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 3:16 pm
Good for all the parties opposing this. This is one area where consumers “don’t know what’s good for them” and need protection.

Comment by don the legend Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 3:17 pm
Word - when I bought a TV bundle (4K plus an X Box One) for the family Christmas present the store pick-up guy at Best Buy in Springfield told me that they move a lot of smart TVs as well as TVs that are for gaming only. Tough to play X Box One or PS4 or watch Blu-Ray movies without an HD or 4K model TV.

So yes, people buy will keep buying TVs. I am not a fan of such incentive packages but I doubt that people will quit buying high-end TVs anytime soon.

Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 3:28 pm
Does it really matter? If a merged entity doesn’t deliver what customers (and advertisers)want, there are plenty of other options to choose from.

Comment by enoughalready Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 4:38 pm