NTCA Welcomes Announcement of Sinclair-Tribune Hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Kelly Wismer, 703-351-2015, [email protected]

Arlington, Va. (July 16, 2018) – NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield regarding the FCC’s circulation of a draft hearing designation order regarding the proposed Sinclair-Tribune merger:

“NTCA is grateful to Chairman Ajit Pai for taking measures to promote a more thorough and thoughtful review of the proposed Sinclair-Tribune merger and related transactions. NTCA has consistently maintained that the proponents of these deals have provided little, if any, justification for how they would serve the public interest. We agree with the Chairman’s observation that Sinclair’s continuing control over divested stations gives rise to significant concern—just one concern among many raised by these deals. NTCA therefore welcomes today’s decision to designate certain issues for hearing, and we hope that this is the start of a harder look at all of the ways in which these transactions are likely to harm consumers and undermine the public interest.”

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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of transformative technological advancements, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year.