FCC investigating Sinclair over failed Tribune deal

The FCC is investigating if Sinclair Broadcast Group misled the commission about who would actually be controlling the stations it was spinning off as part of the merger.

A letter of inquiry was issued by the FCC to Sinclair requesting numerous documents relating to the proposed sale and spinoffs.

The letter, obtained by Broadcasting & Cable, requests the documents by July 9.

The FCC is honing in on Sinclair’s proposed spinoffs of WGN, KDAF and KJAH as part of the merger and in order to get approval.

However, at questions is whether or not Sinclair “engaged in misrepresentation and/or lack of candor” in the spinoff of these stations.

Sinclair been caught with on-the-sly deals where stations are spun off to other owners that have a relationship with Sinclair, allegedly in a move to circumvent ownership rules.