Nexstar Media Group Pushes Forward with TEGNA Acquisition Amid Regulatory Challenges

The applications submitted to the FCC not only request the transfer of licenses but also address the need for waivers from certain existing regulations that govern television ownership. Nexstar argues that these regulations are outdated and do not reflect the competitive media landscape that has evolved over the past 25 years. The company believes that obtaining these waivers would serve the public interest, particularly in the local communities that its stations aim to support.

Perry Sook, Nexstar’s Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of this acquisition for the future of local television and journalism. In his statement, Sook highlighted the need for deregulation, aligning with the Trump administration's perspective that the current ownership regulations hinder fair competition, particularly against larger entities in the media landscape, including Big Tech.

"We are grateful that the Trump administration and the FCC recognize that the current television ownership regulations are outdated and do not reflect the competitive media landscape," stated Sook. He further expressed concern over the barriers that legacy media and tech giants impose on local broadcasters, asserting that these massive corporations wield significant influence that overshadows local news outlets.

Nexstar has positioned itself as a champion of local journalism, producing over 300,000 hours of news and programming each year. Sook reiterated the company's commitment to serving local communities with trusted news delivered by familiar voices rather than relying on social media influencers or automated systems.

"In an age of disinformation and political agendas, we are the anti-fake news," Sook declared, underscoring the role of local news as a vital source of information for communities. He pointed out that many Americans rank local news as their most trusted information source, stressing the need for accessible, reliable journalism in today's polarized political climate.

Sook argued that acquiring TEGNA would grant Nexstar the necessary scale to enhance its local journalism efforts and compete more effectively in a landscape increasingly dominated by Big Tech and legacy media companies. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to bolster investment in high-quality journalism and community service.

"Nexstar's acquisition of TEGNA will provide us with the scale necessary for local journalism to thrive," Sook concluded, indicating a strong belief in the potential for this acquisition to reshape the future of local news broadcasting.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is a leading diversified media company that produces and distributes a wide range of local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms. With a robust portfolio including over 200 owned or partner stations in 116 U.S. markets, Nexstar reaches approximately 220 million people. The company also operates national television properties such as The CW, NewsNation, and a variety of entertainment multicast networks.

As Nexstar moves forward with its application to the FCC, the media industry will be closely watching how this acquisition unfolds and its potential implications for the future of local broadcasting in America.