Broadcast

摘要

The FCC Media Bureau should refer Sinclair’s proposed buy of New Age Media’s TV stations tornthe full commission, said the American Cable Association in a petition to deny filed Tuesday. ACA objectsrnin particular to Sinclair’s acquisition of two Florida stations in Tallahassee and Gainesville, wherernthe acquirer already owns stations. In both markets, Sinclair has proposed transferring the stations to CunninghamrnBroadcasting, where they would be operated through sharing arrangements similar to previousrnSinclair deals (CD Sept 26 p21). “ACA is concerned about the effect of the transaction on two marketsrnwhere the transaction would result in Sinclair entering into agreements that allow it to coordinate the negotiationrnof retransmission consent agreements for two top-four rated Big Four television stations,” saidrnthe petition. The matter should be put before the full commission because it’s “flaunting” the FCC’s ownershiprnrules, said the ACA. Alternatively, the commission should put conditions on any approval of therndeal that would bar Sinclair from coordinating retrans negotiation deals with Cunningham, ACA said.rnSinclair didn’t comment.