Sinclair Wins Again at FCC, and Favoritism Claim Is Revived

  • Agency on party-line vote OKs Next Gen TV sought by Sinclair
  • Next Gen TV is a step into digital world for broadcasters
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A divided Federal Communications Commission approved a new TV broadcast standard backed by Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., sparking renewed criticism that the agency is favoring the company -- a notion rejected by its Republican chairman.

The FCC, on a 3-2 party-line vote Thursday, said broadcasters may voluntarily start using so-called Next Gen TV, an over-the-air service that promises better pictures and interactive services and also gives broadcasters an ability to better target advertising.