Trump Endorses Nexstar-Tegna Merger, And FCC Chair Agrees
Deadline • • business
Key Points:
- Former President Donald Trump endorsed Nexstar’s $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, which would create a broadcast network reaching 80% of U.S. TV households, calling it a way to increase competition against major national networks he labels as "Fake News."
- The merger requires an FCC waiver to exceed the current 39% national ownership cap, with the FCC, led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, reviewing the deal and showing support for increased competition against large media conglomerates like Comcast and Disney.
- Critics, including Newsmax and broadcast lobby groups, argue the merger would harm localism, reduce competition, and increase retransmission fees, urging the FCC to maintain the ownership cap; Newsmax also warned the deal could limit conservative
