FCC waives cap to seal Nexstar-Tegna deal, expanding TV reach
The FCC approved Nexstar Media Group's $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna by granting a waiver to exceed the 39% national TV ownership cap; the combined company would reach up to 80% of US households (54.5% with the UHF discount) and would be subject to six required station divestitures. DOJ signed off, but several state attorneys general have challenged the deal in court, arguing Congress—not the FCC—has the authority to change the cap. Supporters say the deal boosts local news investment and competition against national networks; critics warn it threatens local control and viewpoints and lacked a full commission vote.