https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/16/17577224/fcc-sinclair-tribune-merger-review-recommendation-pai

FCC chairman Ajit Pai said today that he has “serious concerns” about Sinclair’s proposed merger with Tribune Media Company, which would create a uniquely enormous local TV broadcaster reaching nearly three-quarters of all US homes with TVs in them. Pai has proposed that the FCC refer select issues to an administrative law judge for a hearing “to get to the bottom” of the Commission’s concerns.

Pai was vague on the specific issues, but it sounds like they relate to just how large the combined company would be. The FCC limits local broadcasters to reaching no more than 39 percent of US TV households — albeit, with some generous exceptions. Sinclair was using those exceptions and some proposed station divestitures to claim it would reach just under the cap. But the FCC apparently isn’t buying it.