FCC Signals Full Commission Review of Nexstar-TEGNA Merger Amid Antitrust Challenges

Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion purchase of TEGNA was approved by the Media Bureau on March 19, 2026. In an April 13 letter to Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the approval is “not a final action by the full Commission” and that the panel could review it. Broadband Communications Association of Pennsylvania filed an emergency petition for such a review. Nexstar closed the deal after FCC and DOJ clearance, but it faces antitrust lawsuits.

The DeskWashington Examiner

Federal rules limit a broadcaster’s audience reach to 39 percent of U.S. households. The Media Bureau waived this rule for the Nexstar-TEGNA deal, saying the cap is an FCC rule, not a statutory limit. If completed, Nexstar’s combined reach would rise to roughly 80 percent of households, above the 39 percent threshold.

Washington Examiner

Key dates: March 19 – Media Bureau approval; late March – Pennsylvania broadband group files emergency application; April 13 – Carr’s letter says approval not final; April 17 – Judge Nunley issues injunction; late April – Carr sends follow-up letters; May – petition pending.

The Desk

• Deal value: $6.2 billion.

Washington Examiner

• Potential audience reach post-merger: ~80 percent vs. 39 percent cap.

Washington Examiner

• Antitrust plaintiffs: initially eight blue-state attorneys general, later joined by five red-state AGs for a total of 13 states, plus DIRECTV.

Washington Examiner

Carr says cap is an FCC rule, not a statutory limit, so Bureau could waive it. He says deal is smaller than prior approvals and that FCC has not blocked a transaction without a vote, unlike Biden.

The Desk

Attorneys generals have filed antitrust suits claiming the merger would curb competition and harm journalism. DIRECTV joined, warning of competition loss. Broadband association seeks commission review. Nexstar accuses AGs of “strangling local journalism” and blames “Big Tech platforms” and misinformation for news declines.

Washington Examiner

Sources disagree on the coalition: one report lists eight blue-state AGs, another says the group grew to 13 states after red-state AGs joined. It is unclear whether the commission will act on the Pennsylvania petition, leaving the vote timeline uncertain.

Washington Examiner

• “not a final action by the full Commission.” — Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman

The Desk

• “In my time as Chairman, the FCC has not blocked a large transaction without a Commission vote,” — Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman

The Desk

• “Nexstar blasted the state attorneys general leading the bipartisan lawsuit for “strangling local journalism” by moving to block its acquisition of Tegna.” — Nexstar spokesperson (X)

Washington Examiner

• “The AGs, none of whom has a track record of advocating for local media, would do well to understand the industry they purport to protect,” — Nexstar spokesperson (X)

Washington Examiner

The pending Pennsylvania petition could prompt a commission review of the Media Bureau’s March decision. Nexstar has appealed the preliminary injunction to the Ninth Circuit; the appellate outcome will shape the merger’s timeline. A full-commission vote, if it occurs, may set a precedent for future ownership-cap waivers.

Washington Examiner