While there’s been outsized attention by the nation’s media outlets as it pertains to the FCC’s early license renewal request handed to The Walt Disney Co. for its eight ABC Owned Stations properties, there’s been scant coverage of a second early license renewal ask by the Carr Commission.
Now, a comment period has been established that will guide the Media Bureau in determining whether or not to renew the licenses for the company that operated the now-defunct NewsNet — bankrolled by the man who invented 5-Hour Energy.
As RBR+TVBR reported on April 28, the Video Division of the FCC’s Media Bureau issued an Order to Bridge News LLC to file early license renewal applications for its stations, following an investigation for compliance with its obligations as a licensed broadcaster.
Bridge News is a licensee formerly led on a day-to-day basis by the late Vince Bodiford and bankrolled by energy elixir entrepreneur Manoj Bhargava. Between early 2023 and summer 2024, Bhargava emerged as one of the most significant new buyers of broadcast television stations in the U.S. Then, after a big push to compete against cable TV news outlets and Scripps News, Bridge News’ NewsNet digital multicast network abruptly ceased operations.
Now, more than 1 1/2 years later, Video Division Chair David J. Brown shared in late PRIL that the FCC has been investigating Bridge News for possible violations of the FCC’s prohibition on unauthorized transfers of control of the station licenses. Sources close to the matter tell RBR+TVBR the issue stems from documents submitted to the FCC stating Bodiford held equity interest in Bridge News, which is reportedly false.
Even though NewsNet met its demise, some 83 low-power TV stations remain under Bridge News LLC ownership, in a wide range of large and mid-sized DMAs.
While the circumstances surrounding the early license renewal request from the FCC to Bridge News greatly differ from those tied to The Walt Disney Co., the procedure is nearly identical.
Interested persons must file petitions to deny no later than June 29.
Oppositions to petitions to deny must be filed no later than July 29.
Replies must be filed no later than August 5.
Given the light coverage of Bridge News and its alleged improprieties, fewer submissions are expected to reach the Commission.
That said, the likelihood of a potential hearing designation order (HDO) remains just as uncertain as that involving ABC Owned Stations’ properties.
