FCC Vote Kneecaps Local Media by Clearing Way for Massive Mergers like Sinclair-Tribune

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

Even for this craven FCC majority, today’s vote to bless more media consolidation represents an awful new low. The FCC just wiped away time-tested and common sense safeguards that promote vibrant local media by ensuring voters have access to competing sources of news. By blessing consolidation this majority has ensured newsroom redundancy, meaning fewer working journalists to hold the powerful to account. And if that were not enough, let Big Broadcast get even bigger means cable customers nationwide will pay higher bills.

There is no credible rationale for this odious decision which runs flagrantly afoul of the public interest. Once again, this FCC majority is serving the interests of Trump-connected firms, namely Sinclair and Tribune. Disgraceful.