The largest television station operator in the US is about to get even bigger thanks to a $3.9
billion acquisition, and Democrats are complaining that the Federal Communications Commission is speeding the deal along.
Sinclair Broadcast is in the midst of buying Tribune Media, a move that would give it unparalleled control over local TV stations across the country. Critics ranging from consumer rights groups to Democrats argue that the combined company would be too influential, with many Americans still getting their news from local stations.
But Sinclair argues that the deal is critical to ensuring the future of free, over-the-air television and that it better positions the company to compete with online giants such as Facebook and Google for advertising.
Sinclair didn't respond to a request for comment.
The FCC on Thursday is set to vote on rules that would make it easier for the deal to get approved. https://www.cnet.com/news/how-a-massive-broadcast-merger-could-affect-your-local-tv-news/
