Overview
- Nexstar’s proposed $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna would combine more than 200 Nexstar outlets with 64 Tegna stations, creating a group reaching about 80% of U.S. TV households, far above the 39% cap.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr echoed Trump’s call to approve the transaction, arguing larger station groups would provide stronger competition to national networks owned by companies like Comcast and Disney.
- Regulators are reviewing the merger as questions persist over whether the FCC can waive the cap or if Congress must act, with a Senate hearing on ownership limits set for Feb. 10.
- Trump’s push represents a reversal from his November post criticizing the potential for further consolidation and growth of major networks.
- Opponents including Sen. Michael Bennet, Rep. Joe Neguse, and Newsmax’s Chris Ruddy warn the deal could violate law, concentrate editorial power, undermine localism, and drive up retransmission fees.