A public-interest organization, Frequency Forward, has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block Sinclair, Inc.’s proposed transfer of five broadcast licenses to Rincon Broadcasting Group, alleging systematic evasion of multiple ownership rules and repeated misrepresentations to regulators.
The petition details Sinclair’s alleged use of shell corporations, including Cunningham Broadcasting and Deerfield Media, to circumvent FCC ownership restrictions. Frequency Forward argues that these entities are not genuinely independent broadcasters but instead constitute a ‘shadow network’ designed to skirt federal regulations.
The challenged license transfers involve stations in Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin: KHQA in Quincy, KTVO in Kirksville, WICS in Springfield, WICD in Danville, and WVTV in Milwaukee. According to attorney Arthur Belendiuk, the evidence suggests Sinclair has consistently concealed ownership structures and misled regulatory authorities.
Central to the complaint is criticism of a 2020 $48 million consent decree between Sinclair and the FCC. The petition argues that the agreement was inappropriate and highlights new evidence obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, which purportedly demonstrates ongoing misrepresentations by Sinclair even during regulatory investigations.
Frequency Forward contends that Sinclair’s actions fundamentally challenge the public interest standard required for broadcast licensing. The organization argues that the FCC must rigorously evaluate whether Sinclair deserves to maintain its broadcast licenses, given the alleged pattern of regulatory deception.
The petition calls for a comprehensive FCC hearing to thoroughly examine Sinclair’s corporate structures, financial relationships, and compliance with ownership regulations. The outcome could potentially prevent the proposed license transfers and have significant implications for broadcast media ownership standards.
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