Barbara Kreisman, FCC Chief, Video Division Media Bureau, has flagged 3 LMAs cropping up in the deal that is expected to close in Q1, claiming violations of the rules in Charleston, SC, Birmingham, AL and Harrisburg, PA. The deal itself forced side deals for four Sinclair stations in the three markets. Sinclair needs to sell the licenses and other assets of WABM (MyNetwork) and WTTO (CW) in Birmingham; WHP (CBS) in Harrisburg; and WMMP (MyNetwork) in Charleston. Sinclair also filed to strike up LMAs with the new licensees for all.
The American Cable Association recently noted in September that if the deal is not denied outright, it, at the very least, wanted conditions put in place in Harrisburg and Charleston to prevent retransmission negotiation collusion between stations operating in tandem under LMAs.
Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)
Barbara Kreisman, FCC Chief, Video Division Media Bureau, has flagged 3 LMAs cropping up in the deal that is expected to close in Q1, claiming violations of the rules in Charleston, SC, Birmingham, AL and Harrisburg, PA. The deal itself forced side deals for four Sinclair stations in the three markets. Sinclair needs to sell the licenses and other assets of WABM (MyNetwork) and WTTO (CW) in Birmingham; WHP (CBS) in Harrisburg; and WMMP (MyNetwork) in Charleston. Sinclair also filed to strike up LMAs with the new licensees for all.
