WGN-TV’s parent calls off deal with Sinclair, sues for damages
NEW YORK — Tribune Media, owner of WGN-TV and WGN-AM 720 radio, withdrew from its $3.9 billion buyout by Sinclair, ending a bid to create a massive media juggernaut that could have rivaled the reach of Fox News.
“Unfortunately, Sinclair chose to follow a regulatory strategy reflecting its own self interest rather than its contractual obligations,” Peter Kern, Tribune’s CEO, said during an earnings conference call Thursday.
Kern said Tribune Media had done “everything we could to assist Sinclair get through the regulatory process.”
“We are obviously disappointed that the transaction is not going forward,” he said.
Tribune Media Co., which is on the hook for a $135 million breakup fee, said Thursday that it is filing a lawsuit against Sinclair, citing breach of contract and seeking at least $1 billion in damages.
“We are confident in our legal position and we will vigorously pursue the rights of our shareholders by holding Sinclair accountable for its actions,” Kern said.
At the center of the deal were the Chicago company’s 42 TV stations, including WGN. Sinclair had agreed to dump almost two dozen of its own to score approval by the Federal Communications Commission. The media company which has enjoyed the support of President Donald Trump, appeared to be cruising toward approval by U.S. regulators.
Last month, however, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said that he had “serious concerns” about the deal, saying that Sinclair might still be able to operate the stations “in practice, even if not in name.”
Tribune Media, based in Chicago, claimed Thursday that Sinclair used “unnecessarily aggressive and protracted negotiations” with the Department of Justice and FCC over regulatory requirements and that it refused to sell the stations it needed to.
Sinclair operates 192 stations, runs 611 channels and operates in 89 U.S. markets. It would have been able to expand rapidly into numerous new markets with the Tribune acquisition.
The media company has become a significant outlet for conservative perspectives.
It was admonished by media watchdogs in April after dozens of Sinclair news anchors read an identical script expressing concern about “one-sided news stories plaguing the country.” President Donald Trump tweeted his support of the company at the time.
The Maryland company did not immediately respond Thursday to a request for comment from The Associated Press.