Now that the merger application is considered complete, Neronha says his office has 180 days to review the transaction and decide whether to approve it. The Federal Communications Commission has already signed off.
The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS announced plans in November to join forces, with the idea of building a stronger public media organization to deliver public-interest journalism and community service across radio, TV and digital platforms.
Elizabeth Delude-Dix, board chair of The Public’s Radio and one of the co-founders of the radio station, said in an interview that she considers the completion of the application process an important milestone.
Delude-Dix said she does not anticipate obstacles toward the approval of the merger.
“I think this is a great benefit in the making,” she said. “We believe so strongly that public television and public radio are going to be stronger together and we’ll be able to deliver content that’s more dynamic, trusted and responsive to our communities. There might be questions and we’ll be happy to answer them.”
In November, Dave Laverty, chair of the Rhode Island PBS Foundation Board, offered this comment on the proposed merger: “By combining resources and talent, we can build on our respective traditions of trust and integrity to meet audiences where they are, across platforms, to deliver rich programming that is meaningful, accessible, and inclusive. By working together, we will create an opportunity to bring a more powerful and necessary public media voice to serve our community.”
In a statement, Neronha said a public meeting to discuss the merger will be held at his office at 6 p.m. on Feb. 20 and he is also accepting written comments. The 443-page merger application can be viewed on the attorney general’s website.
