FCC Approves Nexstar-Tegna Merger Despite Lawsuits

The $6.2 billion deal will create one of the largest local TV station owners in the U.S.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:48am

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The Federal Communications Commission has approved the merger of local television giants Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, despite two lawsuits filed the same day seeking to block the $6.2 billion deal. The combined company will own 265 TV stations across 44 states and D.C., raising concerns about reduced competition and the impact on local journalism.

Why it matters

The merger would create one of the largest local TV station owners in the U.S., leading to fears of higher prices for consumers and further consolidation of the struggling local news industry. State attorneys general and DirecTV have filed lawsuits arguing the deal violates antitrust laws.

The details

Nexstar said last August it would buy Tegna, and the deal needed approval from the FCC and Justice Department. The FCC agreed to the merger after Nexstar agreed to divest six stations. However, attorneys general in eight states and DirecTV have filed lawsuits seeking to block the deal, arguing it will lead to higher prices and hurt local journalism.

  • The FCC approved the merger on March 20, 2026.
  • Nexstar announced plans to acquire Tegna in August 2025.

The players

Nexstar Media Group

A major owner of local television stations in the U.S., with plans to acquire rival Tegna in a $6.2 billion deal.

Tegna

A rival local television station owner that Nexstar is seeking to acquire in a $6.2 billion deal.

Brendan Carr

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, which approved the Nexstar-Tegna merger.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General, who is leading a coalition of eight state attorneys general in a lawsuit to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger.

DirecTV

The satellite TV provider that has also filed a lawsuit seeking to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful to President Trump, Chairman Carr and the DOJ for recognizing the dynamic forces shaping the media landscape and allowing this transaction to move forward.”

— Perry Sook, Chairman and CEO, Nexstar

“If this merger moves forward, cable prices will spike for consumers in New York and across the country.”

— Letitia James, New York Attorney General

“Local journalism is under extraordinary strain. Across the country newsrooms are being consolidated, reporters laid off and editorial decisions made far from the communities broadcast stations are licensed to serve. The Nexstar-Tegna merger will accelerate exactly that trend, concentrating broadcast power in fewer corporate hands, shrinking independent editorial voices and prioritizing national business interests over local needs.”

— Anna Gomez, Democratic FCC Commissioner

What’s next

The lawsuits filed by the state attorneys general and DirecTV will now proceed through the U.S. District Court in Sacramento, California, as they seek to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger.

The takeaway

The approval of the Nexstar-Tegna merger by the FCC, despite concerns raised by state officials and consumer advocates, highlights the ongoing tension between media consolidation and the preservation of local journalism and consumer choice.