Lorraine Mirabella
Easing of broadcast ownership restrictions is expected to benefit Sinclair/Tribune deal
Federal regulators took steps Nov 17 to ease broadcast ownership restrictions, a move seen as favorable for Sinclair Broadcast Group’s proposed $3.9 billion takeover of Tribune Media Co. The Federal Communications Commission said the rule changes would promote ownership diversity and allow broadcasters and local newspapers to better compete in the digital age. Critics said the changes would encourage consolidation and hurt media diversity.