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Fri, 20 Mar 2026

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 Trump-backed television merger moves forward

Critics fear the consolidation will add to strains facing local news and degrade coverage.
A massive media deal has been completed, with Nexstar acquiring Tegna in a $6.2bn takeover, giving it reach into 80% of US households across 44 states. The deal was approved by national regulators despite concerns over higher fees and weaker news offerings for local TV stations. Critics argue that the merger will lead to a concentration of broadcast power among fewer corporate hands, potentially limiting the quality and diversity of local news. A group of eight states has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the takeover, arguing it would give Nexstar a monopoly in many markets and allow it to charge more for its programming. The combined company now owns over 265 TV stations and has vowed to deliver "exceptional journalism" despite concerns from critics like Anna Gomez, who argued that the deal will harm local journalism and prioritise national business interests over community needs.