Trump calls FCC decision on Sinclair-Tribune merger ‘unfair’

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized the Federal Communications Commission for failing to approve Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc.’s $3.9 billion acquisition of Tribune Media, calling it “shameful” compared with the FCC’s approval of a deal involving NBC television several years ago.

“So sad and unfair that the FCC did not approve the Sinclair Broadcast merger with Tribune. It would have been a wonderful and much-needed conservative voice for and with the people,” Trump said in a Twitter post.

Trump’s attack was an unusual attack on the decision of an independent federal agency that makes merger decisions based on whether they are in the public interest.

“Liberal Fake News NBC and Comcast get approval, much bigger, but not Sinclair. Disgraceful!” Trump tweeted, referring to Comcast Corp.’s approval of NBC Universal’s acquisition in 2011.

Comcast was then a provider of video and Internet services to homes. NBC Universal included the Universal film studio, as well as NBC and other assets.

Sinclair, the largest local broadcasting station owner in the U.S., won Trump’s endorsement with a tweet in April but has come under fire from others.

The human rights organization Free Press said Sinclair was forcing television stations to “air pro-Trump propaganda” — an accusation it denied.

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel tweeted Tuesday that she disagreed with Trump’s tweet.

Last week, the Republican-led FCC said it would not approve the Sinclair takeover and referred the case to an administrative judge, saying Sinclair would effectively retain control of some of the stations it agreed to divest, even if not formally.

The FCC order dealt a serious and potentially fatal blow to Sinclair’s bid to acquire Tribune. Tribune had no immediate comment Tuesday.

Democrats have attacked FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, whom Trump appointed to lead the agency, for what they say are a series of decisions favorable to Sinclair. Media reports also say Trump’s campaign struck a deal with Sinclair in exchange for favorable coverage.

Pai has repeatedly denied taking action to benefit Sinclair and said last week he had “serious concerns” about the merger. Sinclair has also denied wrongdoing.

Last year, Trump suggested NBC’s broadcast licenses could be challenged over its news reporting, but Pai rejected that suggestion.

Pai and an FCC spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump’s tweet. Sinclair and Comcast Corp also did not respond.

The FCC said an administrative judge will review whether Sinclair engaged in misrepresentation or lack of candor and whether the agreement violates FCC broadcaster ownership rules.

Sinclair has denied that it withheld any information or misled the FCC.

(Reporting by Mohammad Zargham; Editing by Eric Beech and Leslie Adler)