Media Contact: 
Brooke Ericson, (202) 418-2300
Brooke.Ericson@fcc.gov

For immediate release

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY 
ON THE SINCLAIR/TRIBUNE HEARING DESINGATION ORDER (HDO)


WASHINGTON, July 16, 2018. – “As an initial matter, I largely refrain from discussing adjudicatory proceedings.  However, since it appears that the document has been provided to the press by someone, I believe comment is warranted. 

In general, I have long stated that parties to merger applications are entitled to an answer from the Commission and have expressed deep objections to blindly sending decisions to the Commission’s Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  Accordingly, I believe that to the extent there are HDOs, to garner my support they must include sufficient and defined timelines for the ALJ to conduct and process a hearing.  If included in the Sinclair/Tribune HDO, I am inclined to support it.  The ALJ process is in need of significant reforms, including putting an end to the interminable hearing.” 

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Office of Commissioner Mike O’Rielly: (202) 418-2300
Twitter: @mikeofcc
www.fcc.gov/leadership/michael-orielly

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).