By Free Press

The Federal Communications Commission announced Wednesday a $48 million fine against Sinclair Broadcast Group, the conservative broadcast conglomerate that in 2018 failed in its attempt to take ownership of dozens of Tribune Media television stations.
The penalty is part of a consent decree that closes three FCC investigations into the broadcaster, which gave up on its takeover bid after the agency found Sinclair misled it and conducted itself with a “lack of candor” – a violation of FCC rules – in seeking official approval for the deal.
When announcing today’s fine, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai suggested that he was defending the First Amendment against “those who, for transparently political reasons, demand that we revoke Sinclair’s licenses” – a jab at Free Press and its allies, who forcefully opposed the massive broadcast merger.
Free Press President and Co-CEO Craig Aaron made the following statement:

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Posted on May 7, 2020

America’s Original Coronavirus Sin

“Think of it like this: If our goal were to eat an Italian dinner, we’re currently stuck in traffic on our way to an Olive Garden. We’re not even halfway to arriving at the worst place that technically qualifies.”

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Posted on May 4, 2020

Yada Yada Yada

Episode 1: “The E-mail.”
“Jerry is dating a publicist who accidentally reveals his e-mail address to Kenny Bania through a group e-mail . . . ”
MORE

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Posted on April 28, 2020

Not The Way He Pictured The End Of The World

“Sometimes I find myself changing out of my pajamas before going to bed because I don’t want to sleep in my work clothes.”

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Posted on April 23, 2020

By Last Week Tonight

The only coronavirus newscast you really need.
See Parts I through III here.
1. Coronavirus IV (April 13).
The unemployed, the essential and Larry Kudlow’s closet.

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Posted on April 20, 2020

By Charlie Watts/The Conversation

I don’t know about you, but I could do with a laugh at the moment. Any opportunity to watch an entertaining television comedy show could prove the tonic we all need. It might be one of the crucial things to help us see through a very strange period.
However, there is a problem. TV shows and situation comedies are usually broadcast in front of studio audiences, and with this now denied, are the empty chairs and lack of atmosphere going to ruin the experience? “Canned laughter,” a divisive and often misunderstood tool, might just help.

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Posted on April 16, 2020

Like The West Wing On Crack

Drink every time he lies. Pass out.

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Posted on April 15, 2020

‘Exponential Threat’

“President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign has filed suit against a Northwoods TV station over an ad using the president’s words to attack the administration’s response to COVID-19,” Wisconsin Public Radio reports.
“The Rhinelander-based station WJFW-TV is owned by the small broadcasting company, Rockfleet Communications, which also owns stations in Bangor, Maine. It has aired an ad produced by Priorities USA, a liberal advocacy group not directly affiliated with any candidate or the Democratic Party.”
Here is the ad:

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Posted on April 14, 2020

“Oxygen is an American pay television channel that is owned by NBCUniversal, which is a subsidiary of Comcast. The channel primarily airs true crime programming targeted towards women.”
12:30 p.m.: Smiley Face Killers
1:30 p.m.: It Takes a Killer
2 p.m.: Method of a Serial Killer
4 p.m.: Murdered by Morning
5 p.m.: License to Kill

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Posted on April 12, 2020

State-Owned Media, Kind Of Like Fox

The China Global Television Network, or CGTN, is producing reports about the coronavirus crisis in America from Chicago. Here’s a look.
1. Chicago Businesses Struggle To Cope With COVID-19 Closure. (March 17)
“Some U.S. states are taking drastic steps to curb the spread of COVID-19. California, Ohio and Illinois have closed bars and restaurants, leaving owners and workers wondering how they’ll survive financially. CGTN’s Dan Williams reports from Chicago.”

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Posted on April 9, 2020