For Immediate Release
Contact: Ted Hearn
(202) 713-0826
[email protected]
PITTSBURGH, March 5, 2019 — American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement noting that the FCC Administrative Law Judge’s decision today about the failed Sinclair-Tribune merger underscored the importance of ACA’s pending request for expedited FCC review of the next set of Sinclair TV station licenses coming up for renewal:
“This morning, the FCC’s Administrative Law Judge dismissed the proceeding that arose from the now-abandoned Sinclair-Tribune merger. In doing so, however, Judge Halprin emphasized that the most serious charge against Sinclair — that it lied to the FCC — was neither ‘nullified nor excused’ by this dismissal. Instead, because the charge is now ‘untethered’ to a specific transfer application, it ‘would be more appropriately considered in the context of a future proceeding in which Sinclair is seeking FCC approval, for example, involving an application for a license assignment, transfer, or control.’
“Fortunately, such a proceeding already exists—one in which the public will have the opportunity to participate. Four months ago, ACA asked the FCC to expedite the next set of license renewals so that the FCC can resolve these questions sooner rather than later. We continue to urge the FCC to do so. As Judge Halprin made clear today, the FCC will have to grapple with Sinclair’s behavior one way or the other. All parties — including Sinclair itself — will benefit if this happens sooner rather than later.”
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 750 smaller and medium-sized, independent broadband, phone and cable companies who provide services for nearly 7 million subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business. For more information, visit https://acaconnects.org/