Brendan Carr, Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has expressed his support for the proposed acquisition of TEGNA by Nexstar Media Group. This acquisition, valued at $6.2 billion, would surpass current broadcasting ownership limits. Carr made the announcement during a press conference on February 15, 2023, stating, “I support that transaction. We’re going to be moving forward.”
His endorsement follows a public statement from former President Donald Trump, who voiced his support for the merger on Truth Social on February 7, 2023. Trump argued that the deal would enhance competition among television networks, asserting, “Those that are opposed don’t fully understand how good the concept of this deal is for them, but they will in the future. GET THAT DEAL DONE!”
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation convened on February 10, 2023, to discuss broadcast media ownership rules, focusing on the implications of the proposed merger. The committee reviewed the FCC’s existing media ownership regulations, including a longstanding rule that restricts a single broadcaster from reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households. The acquisition of TEGNA by Nexstar would necessitate modifications to this cap.
Nexstar’s acquisition of TEGNA was first announced in August 2025 and is currently under regulatory review. If approved, it would position Nexstar as the largest regional television station operator in the United States. Perry A. Sook, Nexstar’s Chairman and CEO, remarked that the deal aims to “level the playing field” and empower broadcasters to compete more effectively against major technological and media corporations with extensive resources.
TEGNA’s CEO, Mike Steib, emphasized the potential benefits of the merger, stating, “Nexstar and TEGNA both share a rich heritage of commitment to journalistic excellence and technological advancements. Together, we will expand news coverage to serve more communities, across more screens, and ultimately secure the future of local news for generations to come.”
The acquisition is projected to conclude in the second half of 2026, contingent upon securing the necessary regulatory approvals. As discussions around media ownership evolve in the digital age, the outcome of this merger could have far-reaching implications for the broadcasting landscape in the United States.
