FCC Seeks Public Feedback on $6.2 Billion Nexstar-Tegna Merger

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a public comment period regarding the proposed $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna. Starting Monday, the agency began reviewing applications for the transfer of Tegnas 64 full-power TV stations, one AM and one FM radio station, along with additional FCC licenses, to Nexstar.

According to a public notice, Nexstar projects that it would reach 54.5% of the national TV audience following the merger. To achieve this, the company is requesting a waiver of the National Television Multiple Ownership Rule, which normally prevents a single company from owning stations that collectively cover more than 39% of U.S. households. A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has partially lifted the restriction on owning two of the top four stations in the same market under specific conditions.

The FCC has set December 31 as the deadline for petitions opposing the merger. Responses to these petitions are due by January 15, 2026, and final replies must be submitted by January 26, 2026.

If approved, the Nexstar-Tegna deal would create a major local TV network owning 265 stations across 44 states and Washington, D.C., reaching roughly 80% of U.S. households. Approval is contingent on adjustments to or the removal of the 39% ownership cap, a rule introduced in 1941 and revised by Congress in 2004 to maintain media diversity and prevent monopolies.

In parallel with reviewing the merger, the FCC has requested public input on whether the national broadcast ownership cap should be maintained, altered, or eliminated. The agency also solicited feedback in September on local TV, radio, and dual network ownership rules.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has signaled support for revising or removing the ownership cap, arguing that it would allow local broadcasters to better compete with legacy media and tech giants. However, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the commission, has warned that such changes could dramatically reshape the media landscape, emphasizing that only Congress has the authority to adjust these limits.

Industry figures have also voiced opinions on the merger. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy criticized lifting the cap, claiming it would consolidate power among left-leaning TV networks. Former President Donald Trump has expressed concerns that easing the cap could benefit Radical Left Networks, specifically naming ABC and NBC.

Nexstar stated it remains confident in completing the merger in the second half of 2026, highlighting the need for regulatory reform. The company emphasized that modernizing FCC rules would support local broadcasters in competing with large media and tech companies, ensuring communities continue to receive diverse, factual local journalism.

This merger presents an opportunity to shift the current media balance and enhance access to local news for Americans nationwide, Nexstar said in a statement.

Author: Caleb Jennings