Free Press Applauds Sen. Rockefeller for Standing Firm Against Media Consolidation

WASHINGTON -- On Monday, Sen. Jay Rockefeller sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler supporting media-ownership limits and acknowledging concerns about broadcasters’ use of shell companies and other shady tactics to skirt those rules.

The letter comes as the FCC evaluates several proposed transactions, including Sinclair Broadcast Group’s acquisition of Allbritton, Gannett’s of Belo and Tribune Company’s of Local TV.

As a recent Free Press report found, these broadcasters are using outsourcing agreements and shell companies to evade the rules in markets all over the country, and they have indicated that they will continue to do so.

Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:

“We’re thrilled that Senator Rockefeller is calling attention to this issue. Fake owners shouldn’t hold real broadcast licenses. For too long the FCC has turned a blind eye while broadcasters have grown their empires at the expense of local viewers.

“It’s time for the FCC to ban the use of shell companies and covert consolidation. It should close the many loopholes that have allowed these companies to dodge its rules, and it should stop the latest wave of consolidation.”