Nothing to do with the FCC Reverse/Forward Auction, yesterday, the FCC reinstated the 50% UHF ownership discount rule, which was (temporarily) eliminated in September 2016. This rule gave broadcast group owners the ability to tally the coverage areas of their UHF stations at 50% of what it actually is. There is
currently a 39% coverage limit imposed on every broadcast group in the U.S..
This rule change and the possibility of eliminating the 39% limit is sending Sinclair Broadcast Group on a purchasing spree of other groups. Sinclair is buying Bonten's 14 stations for $240 million. Sinclair is also trying to buy all of Tribune's stations.
[Link: tvnewscheck.com]