Media Center

Today, the Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit issued an opinion on the legal challenge to the FCC’s decision to reinstate the UHF Discount. Common Cause was one of the petitioners to file the legal challenge. The DC Circuit dismissed the case finding that the petitioners did not demonstrate sufficient standing.

Today, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Hearing Designation Order referring the Sinclair-Tribune merger before an Administrative Law Judge. The Order specifically questions whether Sinclair was the real party of interest in sales of stations to Chicago, Dallas, and Houston. These divestitures among others in Sinclair’s transaction contain sidecar agreements that would allow Sinclair to maintain some form of control over stations it was claiming to divest. The FCC questions whether Sinclair engaged in misrepresentation and a lack of candor in its applications with the Commission.

Today, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued a statement stating he has serious concerns over the Sinclair-Tribune merger and proposed referring the transaction to an administrative hearing.

Today, Common Cause joined Public Knowledge in filing a motion requesting the FCC hold the Sinclair-Tribune merger review in abeyance pending the D.C. Circuit’s review of the agency’s decision to reinstate the UHF Discount. The UHF discount is a provision that allows broadcasters operating UHF stations to only count half their coverage area when determining if they fall under the national ownership cap.

Today, a federal judge issued a ruling approving the proposed $85.4 billion merger between AT&T and Time Warner. The approval allows one of the largest internet service providers to merge with one of the largest film and television studio companies creating an entity that will control the content and distribution of some of the most popular programming in the market.

A proposed merger between Sprint and T-Mobile would pose significant public interest harms for consumers. The merger would cut the number of national wireless carriers from four to three, which would reduce competition in the wireless marketplace. Consumers would see no benefit to a marketplace where Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile call all of the shots. Instead, consumers can expect to pay higher prices and see fewer competitive options in the marketplace. Low-income consumers and other vulnerable communities seeking more affordable mobile communications services would be particularly hurt from the merger.