August 2017

Sinclair Broadcast Group is expanding its conservative-leaning television empire into nearly three-quarters of American households — but its aggressive takeover of the airwaves wouldn’t have been possible without help from President Donald Trump's chief at the Federal Communications Commission. Sinclair, already the nation’s largest TV broadcaster, plans to buy 42 stations from Tribune Media in cities including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, on top of the more than 170 stations it already owns. It got a critical assist this spring from Republican FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who revived a decades-old regulatory loophole that will keep Sinclair from vastly exceeding federal limits on media ownership. The FCC and the company both say the agency wasn’t giving Sinclair any special favors by reviving the “UHF discount,” which has long been considered technologically obsolete.

With the regulatory path eased, and Republicans in control of Congress, Sinclair has focused its bare-bones lobbying effort on tamping down Democratic opposition. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL) recounted the broadcaster’s charm offensive, noting that Executive Chairman David Smith “was in my office” in June discussing the Tribune deal. Following the meeting, Sen Nelson said he saw no need for great congressional objection on his part. “I really haven’t gotten into that and I don’t intend to. That’s an issue that is in front of the various administrative agencies. So I’m going to let them use their expertise.” Sinclair’s PAC cut a $1,500 check for Sen Nelson on June 13, around the time of that meeting, following one for $1,000 in March. Republicans show general confidence in the deal’s federal approval. “I don’t know why it shouldn’t go forward,” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS).