FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 28, 2014
Contact: Brian Pacheco, NHMC bpacheco@www.nhmc.org (213) 718-0732
WASHINGTON - Yesterday, Gray Television, Inc. announced that it had secured new, diverse owners for six television stations that it had acquired and previously operated under shared service agreements. The divestitures appear to be the direct result of recent statements by the FCC indicating that it would scrutinize any transfers of licenses that involve sidecar deals that indicate control or influence.
In Colorado, Gray will transfer one station to an Asian American husband and wife ownership team. In North Dakota, one station will be transferred to a respected South Asian broadcaster. Four other stations in various markets will be transferred to an ownership team consisting of two female broadcasters. All of the transfers result in full ownership and control of the broadcasting outlets by women and people of color. "This is a perfect example of something we've been saying for years: if the FCC makes serious efforts to stem the tide of media consolidation, more ownership opportunities will be created for women and people of color," said Jessica J, González, executive vice president and general counsel of the National Hispanic Media Coalition. "With current ownership levels approaching near-record lows, we need more success stories like the ones we see here to ensure the diverse communities have a voice on our nation's airwaves," González continued. "Hopefully, the FCC will continue steps towards fully enforcing its ownership limits and the next slate of transfers includes new Latino owners."###
About NHMC
The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a media advocacy and civil rights organization for the advancement of Latinos, working towards a media that is fair and inclusive of Latinos, and towards universal, affordable, and open access to communications. Learn more at www.nhmc.org. Receive real-time updates on Facebook and Twitter @NHMC.
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