The FCC voted unanimously to adopt the Hearing Designation Order, meaning the merger is officially on hold until further notice; the order itself, which should contain details around what may be expected of Sinclair in order for the business deal to be approved, will be published tomorrow.

The FCC has been under serious scrutiny by citizens, advocates and politicians alike due to its laissez-faire attitude toward, in particular, the proposed Sinclair Broadcasting merger with Tribune. But the agency is showing some backbone today with a no-nonsense declaration that the merger can’t go through unless a few “serious concerns” are addressed. It’s not the outright disapproval many have recommended, but it’s better than an unconditional green light.

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