DOJ Studying Sinclair-Allbriton SSA Plan

As part of its proposed $985 million purchase, Sinclair has proposed spinning off its stations in two markets to comply with Federal Communications Commission local ownership rules while proposing to provide sales and other non-programming support services to them. Those side deals have drawn heavy flak in petitions to deny at the FCC, on grounds that the arrangements would give Sinclair too much power in those markets, including over retransmission consent negotiations with cable operators. Now, the Department of Justice is said to be investigating these allegations.