New FCC ALJ Ends Sinclair HDO Proceeding but Notes Concerns on Its Character
The FCC's new administrative law judge OK'd Sinclair's request the ALJ nix the hearing designation order proceeding involving the company's now-ended plan to buy Tribune's TV stations. ALJ Jane Hinckley Halprin noted that the HDO alleged Sinclair may have misled the commission on whether it was the real party in interest that would get some divested Tribune’s licenses.
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"That is not to say that Sinclair’s alleged misconduct is nullified or excused by the cancellation of its proposed deal with Tribune," wrote Halprin in the five-page order Tuesday. "That broad inquiry, however, would be more appropriately considered in the context of a future proceeding in which Sinclair is seeking Commission
approval, for example, involving an application for a license assignment, transfer, or renewal. At that
time, it may be determined that an examination of the misrepresentation and/or lack of candor allegations
raised in this proceeding is warranted as part of a more general assessment of Sinclair’s basic character
qualifications to be a Commission licensee."
Sinclair and the FCC didn't immediately comment.