FCC Allows Comments on Tribune License Transfers

On April 28, 2010, the Tribune Company filed sixteen Applications for Consent to Assignment of Broadcast Station License (FCC Form 314) jointly with applications seeking consent to assign certain broadcast auxiliary, satellite earth station, private land mobile, private fixed microwave, and CARS licenses.

Tribune is seeking the Commission's consent to implement its "Joint Plan of Reorganization for Tribune Company and its Subsidiaries." In connection with the Applications for Consent to Assignment of Broadcast Station License (FCC Form 314), Tribune seeks waivers, to the extent necessary, of the Commission's newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule, Section 73.3555(d), and the local television multiple ownership rule, Section 73.3555(b), Note 5 (satellite exemption) and Note 7 (failing station waiver). Tribune's counsel has requested that this proceeding be made permit-but-disclose for ex parte purposes. In view of this and in order to assure the staff's ability to discuss and obtain information needed to resolve the issues presented expeditiously, adoption of modified ex parte procedures is appropriate. Accordingly, the FCC announced that the ex parte procedures applicable to permit-but-disclose proceedings will govern its consideration of the instant proceeding