American Broadcasting Company a proposal for UPT to purchase ABC. Noble received other offers, including one from CBS founder William S. Paley; however, a merger with CBS would have forced that network to sell its New York City and Los Angeles stations at the very least. Goldenson and Noble reached a tentative agreement in the late spring of 1951 in which UPT would acquire ABC and turn it into a subsidiary of the company that would retain autonomy in its management. On June 6, 1951, the tentative agreement was approved by UPT's board of directors. However, the transaction had to be approved by
Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC at 380. Petitioner: Red Lion Broadcasting Company, et al. Respondent: Federal Communications Commission, et al. Chief Lawyer for Petitioner: Roger Robb Chief Lawyer for Respondent: Archibald Cox Justices for the Court: Hugo Lafayette Black, William J. Brennan, Jr., John Marshall Harlan II, Thurgood Marshall, Potter Stewart, Earl Warren, Byron R. White (writing for the Court) Justices Dissenting: None (William O. Douglas did not participate) The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the FCC and found the Fairness Doctrine to be constitutional. Justice White delivered the opinion of the Court and came to the conclusion that the federal government could