Newsmax's Ruddy Meets With Pai Over Sinclair Merger

Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy met with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to urge the FCC not to rush a decision on the $3.9 billion merger of Sinclair Broadcasting and Tribune Media, saying to do so gave the impression of impropriety. Ruddy has expressed numerous concerns about that deal and his conservate news network is on the record in opposition to the deal.

Ruddy suggested the FCC was rushing a decision before the ownership cap was thoroughly vetted. Chairman Pai and fellow Republican FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly voted to reinstate the UHF discount, which helps Sinclair, saying that the FCC would consider it again as part of a broader look at the 39% ownership cap. Ruddy told Chairman Pai it appeared that Sinclair and Tribune had foreknowledge of the UHF discount decision and challenged Pai's suggestion the 39% cap is less relevant because of technology. He also said the broadcast market is not competitive because of the limits on spectrum and significant barriers to entry, among other things.