FCC's Pai Stands By Sinclair Decision

Ajit Pai

Ajit Pai, the Republican chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said on Wednesday that President Trump criticism of his agency would not affect their decision to reject Sinclair Broadcast Group's proposed merger with Tribune Media.

"I stand by our decision," Pai said during an oversight hearing before the House Commerce Committee's technology and communications panel.

However, The Hill reports Pai refused to address directly Trump's criticism of the agency after it decided last week to subject the $3.9 billion merger to an administrative law proceeding, a process that will likely doom the deal's chance of obtaining regulatory approval.

On Tuesday night, Trump blasted the FCC, saying it was "unfair" of regulators to crack down on the deal.

"So sad and unfair that the FCC wouldn't approve the Sinclair Broadcast merger with Tribune," the president wrote. "This would have been a great and much needed Conservative voice for and of the People. Liberal Fake News NBC and Comcast gets approved, much bigger, but not Sinclair. Disgraceful!"