- Nexstar, the largest owner of local television stations in the United States, announced a $6.2 billion deal to acquire rival Tegna, aiming to significantly reshape the local media landscape.
- The proposed merger would result in Nexstar controlling 265 local TV stations across 44 states and Washington, D.C., reaching approximately 80 percent of American households, far exceeding the current 39 percent ownership limit.
- Nexstar CEO Perry Sook praised the Trump administration's initiatives, expressing confidence that the Federal Communications Commission would loosen regulatory limits to approve the deal, despite existing restrictions.
- Public interest groups and local reporters have raised alarms, warning that such extensive media consolidation could harm competition and negatively impact the quality and independence of local news.
- The merger, anticipated for the second half of 2026, is not yet finalized and faces a competing offer from Sinclair, the nation's second-largest local TV broadcaster, which has also bid to merge with Tegna.
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