The future of local TV news has taken a decidedly Trumpian turn, with the proposed merger between Nexstar and Tegna sparking debates over antitrust laws and editorial independence.
Back in 2004, the FCC imposed rules to prevent any one company from dominating more than 39% of US households. However, when Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launched a deregulatory initiative aimed at removing unnecessary burdens on companies.
The result was Nexstar’s announcement that it would purchase Tegna for $6.2 billion, pushing the combined company past the ownership cap. Critics argue this violates antitrust laws and allows one entity to control vast swathes of local news.
Nexstar's loyalty to Trump further fueled opposition; Newsmax filed a lawsuit claiming Nexstar’s actions could force its off-air with higher carriage fees. Meanwhile, NewsNation hired Fox News commentator Katie Pavlich, aligning itself more closely with the Trump administration.
The merger’s fate remains uncertain as it navigates regulatory hurdles and public opinion, highlighting the complex interplay between media consolidation and political influence.
