FCC moves threaten Iocal news in Iowa and across the nation

[Commentary] Right now, there is a merger waiting for approval in Washington that hits Iowa hard. Sinclair Broadcasting and Tribune Media are seeking approval to combine their television stations.  If allowed, this combination would create a national broadcasting behemoth that would change the local character of broadcasting.  It would mean a single company could reach 72 percent of the nation’s households by owning an unprecedented 230 television stations. Across the towns and cornfields of Iowa, Sinclair and Tribune combined would own or operate nearly a dozen television stations. Their service would reach 1.7 million households in Iowa every day. In Des Moines alone, they would own two of the top four television stations — dominating the news in the capital city.  

For authentic local coverage, local ownership and commitment matters.  Allowing a broadcaster to become so big has real consequences for news, campaigns and communities across Iowa.  Washington should not be clearing the way for big companies to overwhelm local media markets.  Because local traditions — and local coverage — matter.