July 19, 2023: Fox opposed opening process

On July 19, 2023, Fox Television Stations (FTS) filed a letter with the FCC opposing MAD’s July 18 request to open the process to greater public scrutiny.

It’s “exceedingly rare” and contrary to the FCC’s usual practice to conduct license-renewal discussions as “permit-and-disclose” proceedings, the letter says. That change in itself would impinge on Fox’s rights as an applicant in a “uniquely party-specific” proceeding such as a license renewal.

 In fact, Congress itself made clear in the Communications Act of 1934 that renewal discussions should focus on “the station” and services it provided during the term of its license, FTS argues. ”They are not vehicles for debating broader policy questions.”

Fox’s letter opposing MAD’s request is here. 
MAD’s original request is here.
Note: The FCC granted our request on August 23rd.