FCC Deals Blow to Local News then Announces Vote Next Month to Remove Hurdle to Massive Sinclair-Tribune Merger

Statement of Michael Copps former FCC Commissioner & Common Cause Special Advisor

Ajit Pai’s announcement today is the most retrograde I have ever heard from an FCC Chairman. Apparently, he has lost all sense of self-restraint. It’s a virtual death sentence for local media. Some Halloween treat for Big Media! And it clears the tracks for a big Christmas gift to Sinclair.

Media monopolization imperils democracy – fewer press outlets mean less of the accountability journalism that American voters depend on to cast informed ballots. Meanwhile corrupt politicians can rest easy that the depleted local press corps will be less likely to report on graft. Ajit Pai’s anti-public interest wrecking ball is poised to strike again.