Photo courtesy Pixabay.
Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it is extending the timeline allowing members of the public to comment on the Sinclair Broadcast Group’s proposed takeover of Tribune Media.
“Today we permit interested parties to submit additional comments in the proceeding for the transfer of control of Tribune Media Company to Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. We are also pausing the Commission’s 180-day transaction shot clock in this proceeding for 15 days, until November 2, 2017,” the agency said via release. “[W]e believe that this action will contribute to a more efficient review of the proposed transaction.”
The FCC usually attempts to complete transfer reviews within 180 days, but the Sinclair acquisition has prompted opposition from consumer groups and rival conservative media outlets.
In September, the agency requested Sinclair provide more information on the acquisition, including their plans on staying in compliance with federal restrictions regarding media ownership limits.
The announcement is intended to provide interested parties more time to communicate their concerns to Sinclair’s response, filed earlier this month. “The Commission has a strong interest in ensuring a full and complete record upon which to base its decision in this proceeding. Pausing the clock will ensure that commenters have additional time to review and comment on this new information,” the FCC stated.
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