Trump Urges Caution on Nexstar-Tegna Merger Amid Local News Concerns

The proposed merger between **Nexstar Media Group** and **TEGNA, Inc.** has raised significant concerns regarding the future of local news in the United States. President **Donald Trump** recently expressed skepticism about the potential consequences of this merger, highlighting its implications for local journalism and media diversity.

Local news once served as the cornerstone of American journalism, providing communities with essential information relevant to their lives. In an era before the dominance of cable news, residents relied on local papers, radio stations, and television broadcasts for updates on issues that mattered most to them. However, this landscape has dramatically changed due to declining revenues and increasing operational costs, leading to the consolidation of many family-owned newspapers into a few large corporations.

The impact of these changes is now threatening local television stations. As smaller stations are absorbed into larger “station groups,” the variety and uniqueness of local news coverage are diminishing. This trend mirrors the “homogenization” seen in the print media sector, where once-distinct newspapers have become indistinguishable from one another. Reports indicate that in some markets, competing stations are using the same news scripts, compromising the integrity of local journalism.

One significant factor contributing to this situation is the proposed acquisition by Nexstar, which, if approved, would control **265 TV stations** and reach over **80 percent** of American households. This level of control exceeds the limits set by Congress two decades ago, which aimed to preserve local media diversity. Critics argue that such a merger would further dilute the quality and distinctiveness of local news coverage.

In response to these concerns, Trump has called on the **Federal Communications Commission (FCC)** to carefully evaluate the merger’s implications. He pointed out that the FCC must consider the unprecedented influence this new entity would have, not only on local news but also on shaping political narratives across the country. The proposed merger’s ramifications could lead to a lack of diversity in content, ultimately impacting public trust in media outlets.

**Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy**, who opposes the merger, emphasized that the national audience reach cap established during the **Reagan administration** is not an outdated regulation. Rather, it serves as a crucial safeguard against the concentration of media power in a few hands. Ruddy argued that local news is inherently more trustworthy, as it reflects the perspectives and values of the communities it serves, contrasting with narratives shaped by media elites in larger cities.

The financial implications of this merger extend beyond content quality. Retransmission fees, which broadcasters charge cable and satellite companies, have surged more than **2,000 percent** over the past 15 years. If Nexstar’s acquisition is approved, consumers could face even higher fees, as larger station groups leverage their size for increased negotiating power.

Legal experts suggest that the FCC may lack the authority to waive the reach cap, especially in light of recent Supreme Court rulings. As the debate unfolds, the future of local news hangs in the balance. Trump’s intervention has sparked a renewed conversation about the importance of preserving local journalism and protecting it from corporate consolidation.

In an age where the media landscape is rapidly evolving, the implications of the Nexstar-TEGNA merger merit careful consideration. Local news is vital for informed communities, and its preservation is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy. As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the voices of local communities are not drowned out by corporate interests.