Urgent Update: Trump Challenges Nexstar-Tegna Merger Impacting Local News

UPDATE: President Donald Trump has raised alarms over the proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA, Inc., warning that it threatens the integrity of local news across the United States. The merger, which would combine control of 265 TV stations and reach over 80 percent of American households, could lead to a dangerous standardization of news coverage, critics say.

This announcement comes as local news outlets face unprecedented challenges, with many being absorbed into larger conglomerates. The implications of this merger could drastically reshape the media landscape, impacting how local stories are reported and consumed.

The concern is not just about local news quality; it also touches on consumer costs. Over the past 15 years, retransmission fees charged by broadcasters to cable and satellite companies have skyrocketed by more than 2,000 percent. If this merger goes through, experts warn that viewers could face even higher fees as larger station groups gain negotiating power.

In a pivotal moment, Trump has urged Brendan Carr, the FCC Chair appointed during his presidency, to reconsider the merger’s approval. He highlighted the historical significance of local news in shaping political narratives, stating, “Americans trust local news” more than national outlets.

Critics argue that the merger would dilute local journalism, creating a “one size fits all” model that mirrors the homogenization seen in print media. Recent reports have revealed instances where competing stations have run identical news scripts, raising serious questions about the fairness and diversity of coverage.

Legal scholars have also pointed out that the FCC may lack the authority to waive the existing national audience reach cap, originally set to prevent monopolies in local media markets. This cap was established two decades ago during a major overhaul of communications laws by Congress, reflecting a consensus that large-scale control of local news is detrimental to public interest.

Next steps: As discussions around the merger evolve, the public and regulatory bodies are urged to reflect on the value of local news in American society. The outcome of this proposed merger will be crucial in defining the future of local broadcasting, a cornerstone of American journalism.

The urgency of this situation cannot be understated. As the media landscape rapidly changes, the fight to preserve local news integrity is more critical than ever. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.