Nexstar’s Proposed Merger Threatens American News Freedom — Congress Must Act Now

In today’s digital economy, where opaque algorithms often prioritize inflated hyperbole while facts lag behind rapidly evolving news cycles, independent media remains critically important to Americans.

During the 2024 election cycle, two out of three voters cited freedom of speech as their top decision factor—surpassing concerns about crime, immigration, and healthcare.

The proposed merger between Nexstar and Tegna—a television network conglomerate—has raised significant concerns. The deal would grant Nexstar control over more than 250 television stations across 44 states, impacting approximately 80% of U.S. households.

This level of market dominance could enable the company to manipulate pricing and content decisions. Broadcast media, where most Americans rely for news coverage, is particularly vulnerable to such consolidation.

Competition is essential in a marketplace of ideas, allowing diverse information and perspectives to coexist. Monopolistic control, however, stifles this open exchange by silencing dissenting views.

Congress historically recognized the need to prevent disproportionate media ownership. In the 1990s and early 2000s, it enacted legislation limiting any single network from owning stations reaching over 39% of households.

This regulation currently blocks Nexstar’s merger efforts. The company has actively lobbied federal authorities to repeal the rule—a move that would grant it near-universal jurisdiction over local television stations.

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr has signaled potential support for lifting this restriction—a decision that could place him in direct conflict with President Donald Trump and Congress.

President Trump, who himself has faced misinformation attacks, has expressed opposition to relaxing ownership limits. He stated such changes would “allow the Radical Left Networks to ‘enlarge.'”

The current law was designed to protect local and regional news networks, ensuring programming remains relevant to specific communities. Local outlets are trusted more than national sources because they provide hyperlocal perspectives critical for accountability.

In 1996, Congress repealed a similar radio ownership cap, leading to rapid consolidation in the industry. This resulted in reduced local content and increased costs for small businesses.

While FCC Chair Carr argues that expanding media control is necessary to counter Big Tech’s influence, this approach risks creating another monopoly. Instead, U.S. antitrust laws should be enforced more rigorously within the tech sector.

Congress must act promptly to address this issue. It should investigate who is driving efforts to undermine consumer protections and maintain a competitive news landscape.