The US settled antitrust charges with six broadcasters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Justice Department has settled antitrust charges with Sinclair Broadcast Group, Tribune Media Co and four other broadcasters accused of sharing confidential competitive information with competitors, the department said on Tuesday.

The companies also include Raycom Media Inc, Meredith Corp, Griffin Communications and Dreamcatcher Broadcasting LLC.

The information focused on the station’s performance, giving rivals insight into whether they would raise, lower or maintain their spot advertising prices, the agency said in a statement.

“Advertisers rely on competition among television station owners to obtain reasonable advertising rates, but this unlawful sharing of information has weakened that competition and thus harmed the local businesses and consumers they serve,” Deputy Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department’s Antitrust Division Justice said.

The exchange of information was uncovered during the department’s review of Sinclair’s proposed purchase of Tribune Media, according to a person familiar with the investigation who asked not to be identified to speak to the media. The merger was completed in August due to opposition from the Federal Communications Commission.

(Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Richard Chang)