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Trump Endorses Nexstar-Tegna Merger Despite Legal Obstacles
Former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Nexstar’s proposed acquisition of Tegna on February 7, advocating for a media consolidation that would violate federal broadcast-ownership limits established by Congress.
“We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Letting Good Deals get done like Nexstar-Tegna will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition, and at a higher and more sophisticated level… GET THAT DEAL DONE!”
Trump’s statement appears to target media companies he has frequently criticized, particularly Comcast (owner of NBC) and Disney (owner of ABC). Meanwhile, Fox Corporation and Paramount Skydance, which owns CBS, have seemingly avoided his criticism.
Hours after Trump’s endorsement, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr echoed the former president’s sentiments on Twitter, writing: “President Trump is exactly right. The national networks like Comcast & Disney have amassed too much power. For years, they’ve been pushing this Hollywood & New York programming all over the country with no real checks. Let’s get it done and bring real competition to them.”
Media policy experts point out two significant problems with these positions. First, the proposed merger would violate the congressional 39 percent “National Cap” on broadcast ownership reach. Second, industry analysts challenge the claim that such consolidation would increase competition or reduce “fake news.”
The proposed merger would create a broadcasting behemoth. Nexstar already controls over 200 television stations in 116 U.S. markets. Combined with Tegna, the fourth-largest television-station group, the resulting entity would control 265 full-power television stations across 44 states and the District of Columbia, reaching 132 of the country’s 210 television markets. This combined reach would more than double the current legal limit.
Free Press, a media advocacy organization, has filed a petition against the merger, arguing that the FCC lacks legal authority to approve it. “The FCC is legally barred from granting applicants’ request to waive the National Multiple Ownership rule,” the petition states.
Matt Wood, Free Press Vice President of Policy and General Counsel, explained the practical implications: “While Nexstar executives trumpet the so-called synergies of such a merger, we know what that means: newsroom layoffs as the new bosses seek to leverage economies of scale.”
Media consolidation critics often point to Sinclair Broadcast Group as an example of how large conglomerates can undermine local journalism. In 2018, Sinclair—which controls 179 broadcast TV stations in 81 markets—required its local news anchors nationwide to read identical scripts echoing Trump’s rhetoric about “fake news,” a moment captured in a viral video compilation by Deadspin.
Research supports concerns about the impact of media consolidation on journalism quality. An American Economic Journal study found that when large conglomerates acquire locally owned affiliates, coverage of police misconduct decreases while segments linking immigrants to crimes increases.
Media analysts also dispute the notion that a larger Nexstar would create meaningful competition with national networks. S. Derek Turner, senior economic and policy advisor at Free Press, called this claim “nonsensical,” noting that “local television stations don’t compete with national affiliates” but rather depend on each other in a symbiotic relationship.
The timing of this endorsement is particularly notable as the Senate prepares for a February 10 hearing on the FCC’s broadcast-ownership rules. Critics suggest that Trump and Carr’s support for the merger reflects political favoritism rather than sound media policy.
“Carr and Trump are just picking favorites,” critics charge, “doing special favors for media giants that have already capitulated to Trump’s political agenda at the expense of those that have yet to bend a knee.”
As this merger proposal advances, it highlights broader tensions between media consolidation, local journalism, regulatory independence, and the influence of political pressure on America’s media landscape.
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12 Comments
This merger seems ripe for controversy. While consolidation can increase efficiency, it also raises concerns about media diversity and corporate influence over public discourse. I’m curious to see how this plays out legally and politically.
You make a good point. Media consolidation is a delicate balance between business interests and the public good. I hope regulators carefully consider the broader implications for local communities and the free flow of information.
I’m concerned that this merger could give Nexstar too much control over local news coverage across the country. Media diversity and independent journalism are crucial for a healthy democracy. The FCC needs to carefully weigh the public interest before approving any deal.
This merger raises important questions about media consolidation and its effects on local news coverage and editorial independence. The FCC should carefully examine the potential impacts, both economic and civic, before making a decision. The public interest must be the top priority.
While I understand the desire for more competition against the major networks, consolidating local stations into a national behemoth isn’t the right solution. This merger risks stifling diverse voices and community-focused reporting. The FCC should scrutinize it thoroughly.
Hmm, this is a complex issue. On one hand, more competition could be good for consumers. But media consolidation also raises red flags around editorial independence and the concentration of corporate power. The FCC will have a tough job balancing these factors.
Agreed. The FCC needs to take a hard look at the potential impacts, both positive and negative, before making a decision. Transparency and public input will be crucial in this process.
Interesting that Trump is weighing in on this. While he may have a valid point about the major networks, his track record on media issues makes me wonder if his support is more about settling personal scores than sound policy. The FCC needs to stay objective and focused on the public good.
Agreed. Trump’s involvement adds an unnecessary political element to what should be a careful, impartial review process. The FCC must put the public interest first, not political agendas, when evaluating this merger.
I’m somewhat skeptical of Trump’s motives in endorsing this deal. While he may have a point about the major networks, his history of attacks on the media makes me question whether his support is driven more by personal grievances than sound policy. The FCC should stay objective.
Trump’s endorsement of this deal is unsurprising given his past criticisms of the ‘fake news’ media. However, his desire for ‘more competition’ seems at odds with approving a merger that would reduce the number of major national broadcast networks. This bears close watching.
Exactly. Trump’s statements seem to reflect his personal grievances more than sound economic policy. The FCC should evaluate this merger objectively, not based on political agendas.