Sinclair Consent Decree Would Raise Legal Questions, ACA Says
A Sinclair attempt to negotiate settlement with the Enforcement Bureau over allegations in the Sinclair/Tribune hearing designation order would raise “significant legal questions,” ACA replied to Sinclair’s opposition of ACA’s petition for the FCC to require an early renewal process…
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for Sinclair’s stations (see 1812110062). Sinclair argued ACA doesn’t have standing to make the request and the FCC shouldn’t require early renewals. Attorneys said Sinclair is likely looking for a way to resolve the alleged issues of candor through a consent decree. The FCC “has a statutory obligation to resolve issues about an applicant’s basic qualifications on the merits,” ACA said, calling the matter “perhaps the highest profile allegations of lying in Commission history.” ACA said the higher retransmission and programming rates its members would face if Sinclair’s licenses are renewed give it standing. The company “stands accused of lying to the Commission -- conduct that, if established, calls into question its qualifications to hold any FCC licenses,” ACA said. The broadcaster didn’t comment Tuesday.