UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced his opposition to the proposed Nexstar Media Group acquisition of TEGNA, a merger that could drastically reshape local news across America. Speaking during an event in Washington, D.C. on August 22, 2025, Trump emphasized the need to protect the integrity of local journalism amidst growing concerns about media consolidation.
This merger would create a media giant controlling 265 TV stations, reaching over 80 percent of American households. Such unprecedented power raises alarms about the potential for “sameness” in news coverage, undermining the unique perspectives local stations provide. Experts warn that this could lead to a significant decline in the quality and variety of local news.
Trump’s intervention comes at a crucial time as federal regulators, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), are set to review the merger. The proposed deal has sparked fierce debate, with critics arguing it would violate a Reagan-era cap designed to prevent national control over local media. By allowing Nexstar to expand its influence, the merger could result in the homogenization of news, diminishing the diversity of voices essential for informed communities.
“We must reflect on the importance of local news in our lives,” Trump stated. “This merger could erase the very fabric of local journalism that Americans depend on.”
Furthermore, local news outlets have already faced significant challenges, including rising retransmission fees, which have surged over 2,000 percent in the past 15 years. If the Nexstar-TEGNA merger is approved, experts predict these costs could escalate even further, ultimately burdening consumers and reducing access to essential news coverage.
Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy has voiced strong opposition to the merger, noting that it threatens to undermine trust in local news, which is often viewed as more reliable than national outlets. “The reach cap isn’t just an outdated rule; it’s a safeguard for local communities,” Ruddy stated.
The FCC now faces pressure to consider the broader implications of the merger, particularly how it affects local political narratives and the overall media landscape. The agency’s decision could redefine how Americans consume news and whether local stations can survive amidst increasing corporate consolidation.
As this situation develops, the public is urged to engage with their local representatives, emphasizing the need for diverse and independent media sources. The outcome of the Nexstar-TEGNA merger could set a precedent that influences the future of local journalism across the nation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent matter that impacts communities nationwide. Your voice matters in the fight for local news integrity!
