Chris Ruddy the CEO of the very conservative Newsmax.com met with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai last week to urge the FCC not to rush a decision on the $3.9 billion merger of Sinclair and Tribune.

Multichannel news writes that Ruddy has expressed numerous concerns about that deal and his conservative news net is on the record in opposition to the deal.

He has said allowing one broadcaster access to over 70% of the national audience is a "very dangerous situation" given that ownership caps were instituted to prevent an owner from controlling local news. "I think the Trump administration likes the idea of having Sinclair—Trump-friendly conservatives—getting this access," he said back in August, but doesn't think the Administration realizes the implications of opening the barn door for others to do the same.

According to an ex parte filing on the meeting obtained by B&C, Ruddy suggested the FCC was rushing a decision before the ownership cap was thoroughly vetted. Pai and fellow Republican Michael O'Rielly voted to reinstate the UHF discount, which helps Sinclair, saying that the FCC would consider it again as part of a broader look at the 39% ownership cap.

Ruddy told Pai it appeared that Sinclair and Tribune had foreknowledge of the UHF discount decision and challenged Pai's suggestion the 39% cap is less relevant because of technology. 

Sinclair has spent months and months sucking up to Donald Trump and has slanted their coverage and commentaries deeply in Trump's favor. 

Sinclair has told investors that the expect the deal to be approved soon.