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Schurz Counters Opposition to LP Deal

The group owner tells the FCC that, counter to claims by Free Press, its proposed $22-million purchase of three South Bend, Ind., low-power stations will result in "significant public interest benefits."
TVNewsCheck,

Schurz Communications is urging the FCC to brush aside opposition and grant its purchase of three network-affiliated low-power TV stations in South Bend, Ind., arguing that the $22-million deal is "proper under the commission's rules and precedent."

The opposition comes from Free Press, a media advocacy group.

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Earlier this month, it asked the FCC to reject the deal contending that allowing one company to own four of the six network-TV affiliates, two radio stations and the only daily newspaper in the market was not in the public interest.

At issue is Schurz's proposed purchase of a trio of stations from Weigel Broadcasting: WBND-LP (ABC), WCWW-LP (CW) and WMYS-LP (MNT).

 As Free Press points out, Schurz already owns the CBS affiliate in South Bend, WSBT, as well as an AM-FM combo and the daily newspaper, The South Bend Tribune.

In its response to the petition to deny the deal, filed late yesterday, Schurz also argues that Free Press lacks standing to file the petition and fails to show that the deal was not in the public interest.

In fact, Schurz says, the deal will produce "significant public interest benefits."

"The proposed transaction will promote localism by moving the low-power stations from Chicago ... to South Bend," it says.

"Local service will be promoted by the additional local news programming and programs responsive to local needs that WSBT will add to the stations' schedules.

"These stations, which now have little connection to the South Bend community, will also take part in WSBT's widely recognized public service activities."

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