Nexstar, the largest US TV station owner, has won regulatory approval for its $6.2 billion deal to buy rival Tegna, which will reshape local television and news coverage. Founder Perry Sook said the deal is essential for sustaining local journalism.
The merger was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), despite criticism from Democrats and some state attorneys general. The deal has raised concerns that it could lead to higher costs for viewers and reduce competition in the industry. Eight states have sued to block the deal, alleging it would increase prices for consumers.
Nexstar’s CEO had claimed the company would own less than 15% of TV stations after the merger, but an FCC order revealed it would actually divest six stations as part of the agreement. The move has been criticized by some as a way for the FCC to circumvent its national ownership cap and promote competition in the industry.
The deal was announced during the Trump administration, which has taken a hardline stance against news organizations and threatened to revoke licenses of stations that don’t comply with their vision of what constitutes “public interest.” The merger is seen by some as a way for Nexstar to expand its grip on local stations across the US.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/19/nexstar-tegna-tv-merger-approved