Doing a Number on Diversity

[Commentary] This holiday season, the Federal Communications Commission has made it clear they have massive broadcast conglomerates like Sinclair Broadcasting on their “nice” list while an independent and local media will only be receiving coal. Currently, the national media ownership cap is set at 39% of television households in the US. The FCC is proposing blowing the cap off the rule that ensures there is more than one source of information.

The American people deserve better than mega-mergers that will result in fewer local, diverse and independent media choices. The FCC should stop giving Sinclair gift after gift, neatly packaged with unprecedented shadiness and tied with a bow, or else it might as well just let Sinclair Santa run the meetings. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai should give Sinclair’s wishes the serious scrutiny they deserve, so the FCC can get back to working for the American people.