Chairman Pai's Response to Reps. Pallone, Doyle and DeGette Regarding Sinclair Broadcast Group

On August 14, 2017, House Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai regarding reports that suggest favorable treatment of Sinclair Broadcast Group since Pai became Chairman. In particular, the Reps wrote that the reports raise two overarching questions: "Whether actions taken by the FCC under your leadership show a pattern of preferential treatment for Sinclair?" and "Whether a series of interactions between your office, the Trump Campaign and Trump Administration, and Sinclair demonstrates inappropriate coordination?"

On Sept 15, Chairman Pai responded in detail about his two meeting with President Donald Trump, both of which he says "we did not discuss any pending FCC proceedings." Later on, Chairman Pai writes, "In terms of other White House officials in the current Administration, I do not recall having any discussions with any of them pertaining to the Sinclair Broadcast Group, and I am not aware of anyone in my office having such discussions."