Complain to the FCC about Sinclair

This week, Sinclair Broadcasting — the largest owner of local television stations in the U.S. — ordered its 62 stations to preempt regular programming to air an anti-Kerry documentary a few days before the election.

Their aim is clear: use the public’s airwaves to sway the election in favor of an administration that staunchly allows companies like Sinclair to get even bigger. Great for Sinclair’s bottom line — terrible for our democracy.

Sinclair Broadcasting’s decision to force their stations to air an anti-Kerry documentary days before the election is a clear example of the dangers of media consolidation.

Sinclair uses the public airwaves free of charge, and is obligated by law to serve the public interest. But when large companies control the airwaves, we get more of what’s good for the bottom line and less of what we need for our democracy.

Sinclair’s actions show why we need to strengthen media ownership rules, not weaken them.