FCC fines Sinclair Broadcast Group for failing to disclose stealth paid programming

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On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau fined Sinclair Broadcasting $13.4 million for failing to disclose that TV segments that looked like independent news coverage had been paid programming from the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. It is the largest fine the FCC has levied for violations of its ad disclosure regulations, and Sinclair has 30 days to contest the levy.

Sinclair is trying to get regulatory approval to buy Tribune Media, and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has paved the way by overturning rules limiting media consolidation. "Sinclair's management has always been right-leaning," Axios notes, and "Pai, a Republican, has been accused by progressives as being favorable to the broadcaster. This fine is a way for the FCC to show it isn't giving Sinclair a pass for violating its ad disclosure rules."

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.