Key Stakeholders Recognize the Significant Benefits of the Transaction, including Investment in Local News Coverage and Advancing Media Diversity
“Mr. Kim has been engaged with UNITE HERE and has made sure to maintain a strong working relationship [with] the Union. We know by his actions that he understands the issues that matter to organized labor and has been constructive in his approach, and as a result we support this transaction.”
D. taylor
International president,
unite here
“Standard General’s investment plan in TEGNA starts with people. Stations acquired by Standard General have reported that conditions for staff improved, with the company increasing the station employee’s health benefits, adding paid time off, implementing employee training programs, and investing in the station facilities.”
Adolphus m. pruitt II
President,
st. louis naacp
“This new company will undoubtedly breathe a new breath of life into a culturally antiquated industry devoid of the true riches born out of a real multicultural establishment.”
Reverend Kirsten John Foy
President & CEO,
The Arc of Justice
“Standing together, all those who are truly committed to media ownership diversity need to make their voices heard in the hope that the FCC will hear us and change course. This is no time to hide behind bureaucratic shenanigans. Now is the time for legal and moral clarity. It is time for this deal to be voted on and approved. Because local media is one of the bedrocks of American democracy”
– Cedric Richmond, Former Congressman (LA-2) and Biden Administration Director of the Office of Public Engagement, March 29, 2023
“Historic discrimination in hiring, bank lending for small businesses, housing, and other fields created a significant wealth gap between white Americans and people of color. Therefore, we believe that it is essential for public policy to lessen inequity. Increasing diversity in the so-called C-Suites of today’s businesses is also an urgent priority. As members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we believe deeply that people of color and from minority communities should have a seat at the table when decisions are made that will affect them.”
“There are many ways the FCC can support minority media representation. The Standard General-TEGNA merger is a golden opportunity to enable someone who comes from a minority community to continue to achieve success in business while also creating more opportunities to make local television stations more connected to and representative of their viewing audiences, including people of color. We believe this transaction is very much in the public interest.”
– Representative Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), February 24, 2023
“We believe the FCC should take minority representation and decision-making authority into account about Standard General’s ownership of TEGNA. Today’s media industry has a huge impact on the American political, economic, and social fabric but people from minority communities account for a tiny percentage of owners and senior executive positions.”
“Standard General’s purchase of over 60 stations TEGNA owns would be one step toward more equitable representation.”
– Representative Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), January 13, 2023
“The numbers don’t lie – we must ensure that ownership at broadcast stations better reflects the rich diversity of the communities that they serve. We still have work to do, and we have to do better.
“This is why the Standard General-Tegna acquisition is especially important. If the transaction goes through, Soo Kim, a Korean American naturalized citizen, would be the first Asian American to own and operate a major broadcast station group. Additionally, it is my understanding that if this deal is approved, the new entity would be the largest minority-owned broadcast station group in America today. It would also be managed by a leading female broadcast executive with a history of investing in local news and in her employee base. I understand further that the at least half of the proposed board of directors will be of minority composition and a majority will be women.”
– The Honorable Marilyn Strickland, Congresswoman of WA-10, November 1, 2022
“By localizing station management and creating a cohesive team environment, Standard General is poised to make an even greater impact in the St. Louis region. With the FCC’s approval, this proposed transaction will make Standard General the largest minority-owned and female-led broadcast group in its history. This acquisition has also been endorsed by the St. Louis Chapter for NAACP for its diversity and equity. My community deserves a broader voice and presence in the media and needs better access to the critical information affecting their lives. For these reasons, I encourage the FCC to approve this merger.”
– Brian Williams, State Senator of Missouri, District 14, December 19, 2022
“In service of strengthening American democracy nationally and advancing the value of local news reporting, I write to stand in support of the proposed transaction involving TEGNA Inc., Standard General LP, and Apollo Global Management, Inc., currently before the Federal Communications Commission.”
“Standard General has a history of investing in and improving local newsrooms and broadcast stations. Standard General’s investment plan in TEGNA starts with people”
– Wanika B. Fisher, Member of House of Delegates, District 47B, November 10, 2022
“I write to support Standard General’s acquisition of Tegna because the combined company will continue to invest in local broadcast newsrooms across America. Standard General has a history of bolstering local news stations and its investments will help ensure that Americans will have access to the critical information that impacts their daily lives.”
– Dan Shaul, State Representative of Missouri, District 113, November 1, 2022
“The pending transaction between Standard General and Tegna would create the nation’s largest minority-owned, women-led broadcast group and increase total minority ownership of U.S. television stations by more than 250% overnight. I’m confident that Standard General, with its proven track record, will once again embrace this opportunity to increase minority representation across the Tegna channels.”
– Representative Terry Brown Jr., North Carolina State Congressman, September 16, 2022
“We believe that this deal is in the public’s interest as it will improve local news, increase diversity in media ownership, and help modernize broadcast television for consumers. The communities that we represent in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina stand to benefit immensely from Standard General’s investments.”
“Standard General’s commitment to diversity and inclusion comes from the top down, starting with its Managing Partner, Soo Kim. Mr. Kim, an Asian-American, has a long history of serving as an ally to communities of color and has used his investments in local broadcast journalism to continue to create opportunities.”
– Senator Tonya Anderson, Representative Patricia Henegan and Representative Kelly Alexander Jr., Chairs of the Legislative Black Caucuses of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, August 12, 2022
“Mr. Soo Kim, the principal of Standard General, has a proven track-record of promoting diversity and advocating for the rights of minority groups, including the Asian American community, and especially for those who are marginalized and vulnerable.”
“We believe that Mr. Soo Kim’s ownership and control over media outlets will promote the goals of diversity as it is understood by all communities, including communities of color and, to the extent they are somehow differentiated, by the public interest and the civil rights community.”
– Charles Yoon, President of The Korean American Association of Greater New York, March 21, 2023
“Despite awaiting approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approximately a year, the deal has been given yet another regulatory hurdle and placed before an Administrative Law Judge at the FCC. This action was deliberate and malicious and only happened because some deemed Soo Kim is considered not to be the ‘right type of minority.’ Should the words of David Schwartzman and David Goodfriend be given this much weight at a regulatory agency? If so, the chilling effect would be disproportionate, and the terms of two would significantly impact the dreams of many. In a time when ‘equity’ is the watchword, this is unacceptable.”
“The research is in abundance about the current state of the media industry, minority media ownership is inexcusably low, and discrimination is very prevalent and persistent. Women and people of color who decide to make their careers have fewer opportunities than their male or white peers.”
– Hazel N. Dukes, President, NAACP New York State Conference, March 1, 2023
“Enhancing media diversity is a primary objective at the FCC, but it has a lot of work to do. The FCC just reported that Blacks account for only 3% of majority interests in full-power TV stations with Asian Americans at only 1%. Now it has a chance to really show that it cares about this goal as the Standard General transaction would radically enhance minority media ownership of broadcast channels. Asian-American Soo Kim, Standard General’s Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, has expressed commitment to helping newsrooms evolve and stay relevant in this age of on-demand content.”
– Barbara R. Arnwine, Esq, President & Founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition, January 20, 2023
“Standard General’s Soo Kim has a long record of accomplishment that demonstrates his commitment to diversity. As Dr. Ben Chavis recently noted, Soo Kim’s vision for local news will help lower the inequities in the broadcast industry and beyond. By approving this deal, the FCC will help lower the barriers to access capital that many people, especially in the minority community, face.”
– Raul Lopez, Founder and Executive Director of Latinos for Tennessee, December 12, 2022
“I want to take this opportunity to extend my full support of Mr. Soo Kim and Standard General. After meeting with Soo Kim and upon careful and scrupulous review of his record on diversity and inclusion, my team and I wholeheartedly support the purchase of Tegna.”
– Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder & President of The Rainbow Push Coalition, December 12, 2022
“Standard General’s investment plan in TEGNA starts with people. Stations acquired by Standard General have reported that conditions for staff improved, with the company increasing the station employee’s health benefits, adding paid time off, implementing employee training programs, and investing in the station facilities. In the acquisition of TEGNA, Standard General plans to utilize systems and techniques which have proven successful in past broadcast operations, including localizing management of local stations to ensure that they are more responsive to the communities they serve.”
– Adolphus M. Pruitt, II, President of the St. Louis NAACP, November 14, 2022
“Diversity matters especially when it comes to local news. Mr. Kim understands the dreams, struggles, and passions of the AAPI community. Under his leadership Standard General and Tegna will have the financial resources required to create new community partnerships and bring diverse perspectives to local news coverage.”
– Kelly Coldiron, Executive Director of The National Federation of Filipino-American Associations, November 2, 2022
“I have been encouraged by comments [Soo] Kim has made in the news media about wanting the stations his company would take ownership of to include a range of voices and shine a light on issues that might have been overlooked by prior media owners. He might be stating the obvious that the better the quality of television news, the bigger the audience share, and the more the advertising revenue.”
– Yuri Cunza, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, October 20, 2022
“The Board of the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce and its representation of 15,000 African American small businesses and entrepreneurs, recognize that Standard General’s purchase of TEGNA, which owns many local television stations across the United States, will be a chance to preserve and revitalize the engagement of minority communities in media markets served by the new company.”
“The Standard General purchase of stations owned by TEGNA will provide hope for a new growth and stability in minority-owned news outlets and Standard General’s founder, Soo Kim, is the main reason for this. He has made an active commitment in elevating the voice of the Black community and promoting an inclusive dialogue.”
– Stephen L. Gilchrist, Chairman of the South Carolina African-American Chamber of Commerce, October 13, 2022
“We need to make room for new voices, new views, and new ways of doing business. The proposed integration of TEGNA and Standard General is an opportunity to ensure the long term viability of local television news in the very communities where viewers live and work.”
– Richard Rose, President of the Atlanta NAACP, September 26, 2022
“This deal will enhance minority media ownership in a transformative way. Standard General’s founder, Soo Kim, is a well-respected voice and business leader in the AAPI community.”
“As an advocate for greater representation of Asian Americans in corporate and public sector leadership, Standard General’s acquisition, led by Mr. Soo Kim, will be a major milestone for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and other communities of color in diversifying ownership and corporate leadership in the media world.”
“This will be a major step forward for the Asian American community and will ensure that U.S. broadcasting reflects the rapidly transforming demographic landscape of the United States.”
– Abraham Kim, Executive Director of the Council of Korean Americans, August 26, 2022
“The creation of the largest Asian-American-owned business would be a source of pride and celebration for the [Asian American and Pacific Islander] community.”
“Mr. Kim has said clearly and repeatedly that he wants to make local television news more substantive, responsive to local viewing audiences, and inclusive of all voices in communities where TEGNA stations operate. He has committed to spending money on expanding reporting staff, growing training opportunities, and investing in technology and equipment so that when people turn on the local television news, they will be more fully informed of issues that affect
– The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, August 25, 2022
“The significance of this acquisition in elevating the voices and images of historically marginalized communities cannot be overstated and must be analyzed through historical, economic and social prisms.”
“This new company will undoubtedly breathe a new breath of life into a culturally antiquated industry devoid of the true riches born out of a real multicultural establishment. This new company will operationalize a robust and rigorous vision of inclusion and industrial scale access for Communities of Color, writ large, but specifically to the Black community which through long suffering and moral fortitude has long sought and fought for.”
– Reverend Kirsten John Foy, President & CEO, The Arc of Justice, July 11, 2022
“In our experience, Mr. Kim plays an active role in the companies that he is invested in. Over the years, Mr. Kim has also been proactive in engaging with Local 101, and he has made sure to maintain a strong working relationship with our Local Union.”
– Aaron A. Brown, Business Manager, Local 101, International Union of Operating Engineers, February 17, 2023
“Additionally, Mr. Kim has been constructive in his approach to labor relations, and based upon his prior actions, we believe that he understands the core issues that matter to organized labor.”
– D. Jason Billings, Business Manager, Local 406, International Union of Operating Engineers, February 17, 2023
“I write to your today on behalf of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 in order to communicate and express to the FCC our Local Union’s support for Standard General…Mr. Kim has also been proactive in engaging with Local 542, and he has made sure to maintain a strong working relationship with our Local Union.”
– James Reilley, Business Manager, Local 542, International /Union of Operating Engineers, February 15, 2023
“Based on all of the foregoing, it is our opinion that Standard General will continue to bring its cooperate approach with organized labor to its other portfolio companies, including but not limited to, Tegna. Local 68 IUOE has had a long-standing positive relationship with Bally’s Casino-Atlantic City for almost 45 years.”
– Thomas P. Giblin, Business Manager, Local 68, International Union of Operation Engineers, February 15, 2023
“Please be advised that Local 501 has had positive prior dealings with Standard General and its principal Soo Kim. Specifically, in our experience, Mr. Kim plays an active role in the companies that he is invested in.”
– Edward J. Curly, Business Manager, Local 501, International Union of Operating Engineers, February 13, 2023
“Over the years, Mr. Kim has also been proactive in engaging with Local 399, and he has made sure to maintain a strong working relationship with our Local Union. Additionally, Mr. Kim has been constructive in his approach to labor relations, and based upon his prior actions, we believe that he understands the core issues that matter to organized labor.”
– Patrick J. Kelly, President & Business Manager, Local 399, International Union of Operating Engineers, February 13, 2023
“This transaction proposed as between Standard General and TEGNA is an opportunity for the FCC to continue to make a powerful statement of encouragement of diversity of ownership as well as voice in the broadcast industry. I have followed Soo Kim’s track record in broadcast ownership beginning with Standard General’s acquisition of the former Young Broadcasting and I particularly respect that he really likes local television! As a shareholder of TEGNA, I credit his character, business and financial acumen and deep commitment to local news and service to the communities his stations are licensed to serve. I am convinced that his experience as a naturalized U.S. citizen of color will help create opportunities for minorities at every level of the new company’s television operations.”
– W. Don Cornwell, Retired Founder and CEO, Granite Broadcasting Corporation, February 13, 2023
“Standard General proposes to increase the quality of local news and programming, make content delivery more relevant and help the broadcasting industry evolve to meet shifting consumer demands. This is positive for all Americans who want local broadcasting news options which are competitively priced, easy to access, and sustainable. There are net-positive benefits for the consumers and the economy with the transaction.”
“Local broadcasting plays a vast and still increasing role in how Americans get their news. As more and more newspapers close their doors, people turn to local television stations for community reporting. But for Asians and other minorities, the people reporting often do not reflect the diversity of their audiences.”
– Gina Kim, Media and Performing Arts Producer, February 9, 2023
“Standard General proposes to increase the quality of local news and programming, make content delivery more relevant and help the broadcasting industry evolve to meet shifting consumer demands. This is positive for all Americans who want local broadcasting news options which are competitively priced, easy to access, and sustainable. There are net-positive benefits for the consumers and the economy with the transaction.”
The press and news media – specifically the broadcast journalists who report on local issues – are a critical platform in a media environment under serious strain. Approval of this transaction will help preserve the important role that broadcast news plays for local communities in Ohio and across the country.”
“These stations are institutions in their communities, but they are not immune from the same pressures that led to the decline of print journalism. That’s why we need to welcome new investment and energy into the industry from proven leaders like Soo Kim and Deb McDermott, who have a vision for the broadcast industry’s future that includes providing the resources necessary for the vitality of these stations.”
– Jason Mauk, Former News Reporter & Chief Political Correspondent, Ohio News Network, January 30, 2023
“It is important that the FCC apply the same process, standard, and objectivity to all transactions. Prolonged review can harm the public in delayed investment and innovation. The Standard General-TEGNA transaction is important because of its promise to reinvigorate local news across the US.”
“Standard General proposes to increase the quality of local news and programming, make content delivery more relevant and help the broadcasting industry evolve to meet shifting consumer demands. This is positive for all Americans who want local broadcasting news options which are competitively priced, easy to access, and sustainable. There are net-positive benefits for the consumers and the economy with the transaction.”
– Academic and Communications Policy Scholars from the American Consumer Institute, American Enterprise Institute, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, Florida International University, Institute for Liberty, Institute for Technology and Network Economics, James Madison Institute, R Street Institute, and Strand Consult, January 30, 2023
“When evaluating the public interest, the Commission should also consider what the future of TEGNA would look like if this deal does not close. Without Standard General’s investment, TEGNA, a publicly traded company, would be subject to numerous financial pressures in uncertain economic times. It is predictable that cost-cutting measures and job losses would impact newsrooms’ operations, harming consumers across the country.”
“Notably, this acquisition has been under Commission review for more than 100 days past the traditional 180-day review period, an unprecedented amount compared to previous broadcast industry transactions. In 2021, Gray Television’s acquisition of Meredith Corporation’s Local 2 Media Group lasted for six months. In 2020, The E.W. Scripps Company purchased ION Media Networks and was subject to a review period of only three months.”
– Steve Pociask, President and CEO at American Consumer Institute, Center for Citizen Research, January 20, 2023
“My name is Raul Aguirre and I am writing to you today to advocate in support of the pending merger between Standard General and TEGNA. My career in the industry as a producer, anchor, and host for Univision has taught me the importance of diverse voices in broadcast journalism. I believe that the merger would have a significant impact for minority communities across the country.”
“The combined leadership of Soo Kim and Deb McDermott would bring transformational change to the broadcast industry.”
– Raúl E. Aguirre, Founder of REA Media Group, December 27, 2022
“Standard General’s vision for the new TEGNA, including its Denver based stations KUSA and KTVD, is to invest in new digital platforms, train journalists in the use of new technologies, and support the development of new business models that can help local news organizations to reach and engage with their audiences more effectively.
“As we look to the future of broadcast news it is vital that we do everything we can to keep communities informed and engaged. Ensuring that local television stations have the resources they need to modernize and grow their operations will allow broadcast news to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging time for trustworthy news.”
– Debbie Brown, President, Colorado Business Roundtable, December 19, 2022
“If you are, as I am, for equality, equity, and believe in the oneness of all humanity, then we must practice what we preach. This is why I am publicly and forthrightly supporting the efforts and leadership of Soo Kim, founder and managing partner of Standard General. Kim is an effective and outstanding Korean American business leader, and he is on record supporting greater Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in our nation’s media ownership landscape.”
– Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) representing the Black Press of America, November 29, 2022
“The broadcasting industry needs more women in senior positions to support this type of growth. Deb McDermott at Standard Media is a role model in our industry. She has a long record of leading with purpose, treating people with respect, and investing in people. It is because of this thoughtful approach that I want to express my support for the proposed merger between Standard General and TEGNA with Deb McDermott set to lead the new company.”
– Marcia Green, Former Director of Programming for WQAD-TV, November 18, 2022
“Mr. Kim has been engaged with UNITE HERE and has made sure to maintain a strong working relationship [with] the Union. We know by his actions that he understands the issues that matter to organized labor and has been constructive in his approach, and as a result we support this transaction.”
– D. Taylor, International President of UNITE HERE, November 18, 2022
“Standard General’s acquisition of TEGNA would dramatically enhance minority ownership in the broadcast television industry. My work with the Hispanic community in the United States and abroad has given me a front row seat to the demographics of our society. Yet despite these changes, the broadcast industry is still lacking diverse representation at senior levels of leadership. Standard General’s CEO, Soo Kim, is a well-respected minority business leader who is committed to creating opportunities for minority communities and women leaders.”
– Gil M. Cisneros, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and Chairman and CEO of the Chamber of the Americas, November 16, 2022
“Our industry needs fresh ideas and real investment to access new audiences while continuing to serve those who have relied on us for years. Soo Kim and Deb McDermott have a proven track record of enhancing the quality of the news stations that they invest in. They have publicly committed to reinvigorating Tegna’s brands with new technology like streaming and NextGen TV broadcasting which will help our industry stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.”
– Bob Houghton, President of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, November 10, 2022
“We, as women leaders in technology, are submitting this letter to express our support for Deb McDermott, CEO of Standard Media. With the hopeful merger between Standard Media and Tegna, Inc, Mrs. McDermott is poised to lead the largest female-led broadcast company in the nation.”
“Not only will the combined company be led by a celebrated female executive, more than half of the board will be women, as well as 50 percent minority led. It is time to bolster this commitment to diverse leadership as an example of what the future holds.”
– Advocating for Women in Tech, August 24, 2022
“As the most influential Hispanic Print & Digital Media Organization in the country, NAHP believes that the transaction falls in line with our organization’s mission: to better serve and empower Hispanic communities through demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
– Alvaro Gurdián, President of the National Association of Hispanic Publications, August 8, 2022
“This transaction is poised to provide a shot in the arm to local journalism and local newsrooms across the country, offering tangible benefits to consumers nationwide.”
“The new Standard General-Tegna combination would reinvigorate broadcasting, add programming diversity and strengthen a much-needed resource for consumers in their local communities.”
– Steve Pociask, President and CEO at American Consumer Institute, Center for Citizen Research, August 7, 2022
“Estrella Media believes that the Transaction will increase the diversity of available broadcast programming, thereby furthering the public interest.
“From our viewpoint, approval of the Transaction will provide Estrella Media with enhanced opportunities to partner with Standard General and new TEGNA to better serve the Hispanic community in the United States, a community that has historically been underserved.”
– Arya Towfighi, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Estrella Media, August 1, 2022