Sinclair Broadcasting
Background:
Chances are, you've already seen the Sinclair video this weekend. If not, it's here. But in a nutshell, conservative media giant giant Sinclair Broadcast Group is making the anchors on their station read a script, basically decrying "fake news", and promoting their agenda.
However, it's about to get worse. Sinclair is in the process of going through a merger w/ Tribune. If the merger goes through, they'll end up owning approximately 70% (a rough estimate) of markets, verses the approximately 40% they own now.
However, it's about to get worse. Sinclair is in the process of going through a merger w/ Tribune. If the merger goes through, they'll end up owning approximately 70% (a rough estimate) of markets, verses the approximately 40% they own now.
Yikes, how very 1984. How do we fight this?
First things first:
1. Yes, you can definitely call your electeds, but be specific in what you ask for. Because the FCC is overseeing the Sinclair-Tribune merger, jurisdiction falls under the FCC.
But you can ask for:
A. Your electeds to support the ongoing FCC Inspector General inspection into Chairman Pai. Here's a letter from Frank Pallone and Ellijah Cummings which outlines what they asked.
B. Request antitrust laws which can further prevent these types of merges from happening in the future.
C. Your electeds can't necessarily do anything about what Sinclair is doing now, but they can certainly issue a statement against it. I know it sometimes feels like them sending a tweet =! doesn't really have a point, but it makes people feel like their electeds are listening and aware.
1. Yes, you can definitely call your electeds, but be specific in what you ask for. Because the FCC is overseeing the Sinclair-Tribune merger, jurisdiction falls under the FCC.
But you can ask for:
A. Your electeds to support the ongoing FCC Inspector General inspection into Chairman Pai. Here's a letter from Frank Pallone and Ellijah Cummings which outlines what they asked.
B. Request antitrust laws which can further prevent these types of merges from happening in the future.
C. Your electeds can't necessarily do anything about what Sinclair is doing now, but they can certainly issue a statement against it. I know it sometimes feels like them sending a tweet =! doesn't really have a point, but it makes people feel like their electeds are listening and aware.
You: Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling from [zip code].
You: I am calling to tell [MoC/Senator] I support the FCC Inspector General case against Chairman Pai. Chairman Pai's potential connections with Sinclair Broadcasting need to be explored, particularly given the potential Sinclair-Tribune merge on the table. You: I am also calling on Congress to consider passing anti-trust laws, so Chairman Pai's actions to help Sinclair in the merger process, cannot be repeated. You: <insert optional comment here> |
Second:
You can call the station manager at your local station, and express concerns about these stations forcing their anchors to say the mandated Sinclair script.
Here's a list of Sinclair-owned stations.
You can call the station manager at your local station, and express concerns about these stations forcing their anchors to say the mandated Sinclair script.
Here's a list of Sinclair-owned stations.
You: Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling from [zip code].
You: I am calling to express my concerns to [General Manager] about the station's anchors being forced to read the Sinclair Group's statement about biased media. It's an edict that is not dissimilar to some countries with state-sponsored media. You: I'm calling on [general manager] to refuse the mandate from Sinclair as other stations have done, and allow anchors to opt out. You: <insert optional comment here> |