Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai released a statement Monday saying he will delay Sinclair Broadcast Group’s potential acquisition of Tribune Media by putting it through an administrative process because of “serious concerns.” He said the $3.9 billion deal would put Sinclair in control of certain media stations in violation of the law. “When the FCC confronts disputed issues like these, the Communications Act does not allow it to approve a transaction,” the statement reads. Politico reports that Pai’s move can be seen as a “deal killer.” The merger would have put Sinclair in charge of 42 Tribune television stations.
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