FCC Chair Supports Nexstar’s Tegna Acquisition

The chair of the Federal Communications Commission has expressed support for Nexstar’s proposed $3.54 billion acquisition of Tegna, a move that could create the largest regional television station operator in the United States.

If approved, the deal would significantly expand Nexstar’s reach, potentially covering up to 80 percent of U.S. television households across key markets. However, completing the acquisition would require regulatory adjustments, including changes to existing limits on broadcast station ownership.

Current FCC rules prevent a single company from owning television stations reaching more than 39 percent of U.S. households. Supporters of the merger argue that these limits should be revised to reflect shifts in the media landscape, particularly as traditional broadcasters face declining revenues and growing competition from streaming platforms.

Industry groups have also called for modernization of ownership rules, suggesting that longstanding regulations place broadcasters at a disadvantage compared to large technology companies.

While some policymakers believe the ownership cap could be adjusted through regulatory action, others question whether such changes require legislative approval.

The proposed merger highlights ongoing debates over competition, diversity and the evolving structure of the media sector.