Trump Backs TV Merger That Could Reshape Local News

President Trump has thrown his support behind Nexstar Media Group's proposed acquisition of Tegna Inc., arguing that consolidation among smaller broadcasters is necessary to compete with major television networks. The endorsement comes as the $8.1 billion deal faces regulatory scrutiny over concerns about media concentration in local markets.

Nexstar, already the largest owner of local TV stations in the United States, would add Tegna's64 stations to its existing portfolio of 199 outlets if the merger proceeds. The combined entity would reach approximately 39% of U.S. television households, creating an unprecedented concentration of local broadcast ownership.

The Competition Argument

Trump's backing centers on his belief that large television networks—particularly CNN, MSNBC, and the major broadcast networks—have too much influence over public discourse. "These big networks have had a monopoly on information for too long," Trump stated, suggesting that a stronger Nexstar could provide meaningful competition to what he characterizes as liberal-leaning national media.

The timing isn't coincidental. Nexstar has positioned itself as a more conservative alternative in local news, often featuring programming that aligns with Trump's political messaging. The company's NewsNation cable network has explicitly marketed itself as a centrist alternative to cable news giants, though critics argue its programming skews rightward.

What's Really at Stake

For viewers, the merger raises fundamental questions about information diversity. Local news stations serve as primary sources of political information for millions of Americans, particularly in smaller markets where newspaper coverage has declined. When one company controls multiple stations in overlapping markets, editorial decisions—from story selection to political endorsements—become centralized.

Tegna's stations have historically maintained more editorial independence, with some markets featuring programming that differs significantly from Nexstar's conservative approach. Industry observers worry that post-merger standardization could reduce the ideological diversity that currently exists in local television news.

The economic implications are equally significant. Local advertising rates, newsroom staffing levels, and community coverage priorities all flow from ownership decisions. Nexstar has a track record of cost-cutting in acquired markets, raising questions about whether local journalism will benefit from the scale that Trump champions.

Regulatory Crossroads

The Federal Communications Commission faces a delicate balancing act. Traditional antitrust analysis focuses on market concentration within specific geographic areas, but the modern media landscape complicates these calculations. Should regulators consider streaming services, social media platforms, and digital news sources when evaluating broadcast competition?

Consumer advocacy groups argue that local broadcast television remains uniquely influential, particularly during emergencies and elections. Unlike national cable networks or digital platforms, local TV stations are required to serve their communities' specific needs—a mandate that becomes harder to fulfill when ownership becomes increasingly distant.