Sinclair did something they have not done in 18 years. 

According to disclosure forms, Sinclair has hired  Republican lobbyists just 3 days after the FCC said that they had “serious concerns” about the Tribune deal. 

The Hill writes that the group of five lobbyists from the S-3 Group included three aides to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), including his former chief of staff, Rob Collins.

The hire is notable for the conservative-leaning media company, which had not hired an outside lobbyist since 2000. Sinclair typically relies on industry trade groups like the National Association of Broadcasters to advocate for its interests.

The hires may be too late to save the $3.9 billion Tribune deal.