Senate Criticizes FCC Chair for Approving Nexstar-Tegna Merger
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
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Should l Buy NXST?
The ranking members of the Senate Commerce Committee criticized the head of the Federal Communications Commission, FCC, specifically related to his approval of Nexstar Media's (NXST) merger with Tegna (TGNA) without a vote of the full commission, Kelcee Griffis of Bloomberg reports. Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, and Senator Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, told FCC Chairman Brendan Carr he improperly allowed staff to green-light the merger, which waived major anti-consolidation rules, according to a letter reviewed by Bloomberg.
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Analyst Views on NXST
Wall Street analysts forecast NXST stock price to rise
4 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 180.830
Low
204.00
Averages
232.25
High
250.00
Current: 180.830
Low
204.00
Averages
232.25
High
250.00
About NXST
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is a diversified media company with television broadcasting, television network and digital media assets operating in the United States. The Company produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms. The Company’s reportable broadcast segment includes television stations and related local websites that Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to in various markets across the United States, NewsNation, a national cable news network, two owned and operated multicast networks and other multicast network services, and WGN-AM, a Chicago radio station. The other operating segments, The CW and digital businesses, focused on the national marketplace. The Company’s portfolio of digital assets, including its local TV station websites, The Hill and NewsNationNow.com. Its national television properties include The CW, NewsNation, Antenna TV, and Rewind TV.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Democrats Challenge FCC Approval of Nexstar-Tegna Merger
- Merger Approval Controversy: Democratic senators criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for approving the Nexstar-Tegna merger without a full commission vote, arguing that this violates antitrust rules and could lead to further consolidation of local news coverage, negatively impacting consumer rights.
- Legal Challenge Escalation: A federal judge in California has ordered Nexstar to pause its integration with Tegna due to a lawsuit filed by DirecTV on antitrust grounds, indicating strong market opposition to the merger and potentially delaying the integration process.
- Need for Policy Review: Senators emphasized that FCC decisions should be voted on by the full commission to ensure transparency and legality, reflecting concerns over the regulatory agency's power, which could influence future merger approval processes.
- Congressional Intervention Intent: As the appropriations process for the next fiscal year begins, lawmakers expressed their intention to use all tools available to rein in the FCC's authority, demonstrating strong dissatisfaction with the agency's actions and potentially leading to stricter regulatory policies.
See More
Trump Backs NXST-TGNA Merger Amid Regulatory Changes
- Merger Support Shift: President Trump publicly backed the NXST-TGNA merger in February after opposing it in November 2025, indicating a significant policy shift that could influence market expectations and confidence in the deal.
- FCC Rule Waiver: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the merger earlier this month and waived previous rules, highlighting the regulatory body's commitment to promoting competition and diversity, which may facilitate the merger's smooth progression.
- Market Sentiment Changes: Retail sentiment for NXST dropped from 'bullish' to 'neutral' over the past month, while TEGNA shifted from 'neutral' to 'bearish', reflecting investor caution regarding the merger's prospects, which could impact stock price volatility.
- Transaction Details: NXST plans to acquire TGNA in an all-cash deal valued at $6.2 billion, offering $22 per share, representing a 31% premium over TGNA's average share price in the 30 days prior, demonstrating strong acquisition intent towards the target company.
See More
California Judge Halts Nexstar-Tegna Merger Amid Antitrust Lawsuit
- Merger Halt Order: U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley issued a late Friday order to pause the Nexstar-Tegna merger due to an antitrust lawsuit filed by TPG-owned DirecTV, which argues that the deal could lead to more frequent programming blackouts and increased consumer prices.
- Merger Context: The $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar and Tegna was completed last week after receiving clearance from the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice, but DirecTV's lawsuit introduces new legal challenges that could affect the operational model post-merger.
- Legal Challenges: A coalition of eight Democratic state attorneys general, including those from California, New York, and Colorado, has filed a similar lawsuit against the merger, reflecting widespread concerns about market competition and consumer interests, which may lead to stricter regulatory scrutiny.
- Next Steps: The judge has scheduled a court hearing for April 7 to determine whether to maintain the restraining order pending the outcome of a full trial, which could significantly impact Nexstar's integration plans.
See More
U.S. Judge Orders Nexstar to Keep Tegna Separate with Temporary Restraining Order
- Judicial Decision: A U.S. judge has issued a temporary restraining order affecting Nexstar's operations.
- Impact on Tegna: The order requires Nexstar to hold Tegna separate, indicating potential regulatory concerns or legal disputes.
See More
Nexstar Announces Early Settlement Date for TEGNA Bonds
- Early Settlement Date: Nexstar Media Inc. has announced an Early Settlement Date of March 25, 2026, for TEGNA's 5.000% Senior Notes, reflecting the company's commitment to swift debt management following the acquisition.
- Tender Offer Success: As of March 18, 2026, 94.23% of the Notes, amounting to $1.036 billion, were validly tendered, indicating strong market response and increased investor confidence in the acquisition.
- Merger Condition Met: Nexstar completed the acquisition of TEGNA on March 19, 2026, satisfying the conditions for early settlement and further solidifying its market position in the media industry.
- Future Plans: Despite the confirmed early settlement, Nexstar intends to accept any valid tenders until the expiration time on April 2, 2026, demonstrating the company's ability to adapt to market changes.
See More
NEXSTAR MEDIA INC. SETS EARLY SETTLEMENT DATE FOR TENDER OFFER AND CONSENT SOLICITATION OF TEGNA INC.’S 5.000% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2029
Announcement of Settlement Date: NEXSTAR MEDIA INC. has announced an early settlement date for its previously announced tender offer and consent solicitation.
Details of the Tender Offer: The tender offer pertains to all of Tegna Inc.'s 5.000% senior notes due in 2029.
See More
Democrats Challenge FCC Approval of Nexstar-Tegna Merger
- Merger Approval Controversy: Democratic senators criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for approving the Nexstar-Tegna merger without a full commission vote, arguing that this violates antitrust rules and could lead to further consolidation of local news coverage, negatively impacting consumer rights.
- Legal Challenge Escalation: A federal judge in California has ordered Nexstar to pause its integration with Tegna due to a lawsuit filed by DirecTV on antitrust grounds, indicating strong market opposition to the merger and potentially delaying the integration process.
- Need for Policy Review: Senators emphasized that FCC decisions should be voted on by the full commission to ensure transparency and legality, reflecting concerns over the regulatory agency's power, which could influence future merger approval processes.
- Congressional Intervention Intent: As the appropriations process for the next fiscal year begins, lawmakers expressed their intention to use all tools available to rein in the FCC's authority, demonstrating strong dissatisfaction with the agency's actions and potentially leading to stricter regulatory policies.
See More
Trump Backs NXST-TGNA Merger Amid Regulatory Changes
- Merger Support Shift: President Trump publicly backed the NXST-TGNA merger in February after opposing it in November 2025, indicating a significant policy shift that could influence market expectations and confidence in the deal.
- FCC Rule Waiver: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the merger earlier this month and waived previous rules, highlighting the regulatory body's commitment to promoting competition and diversity, which may facilitate the merger's smooth progression.
- Market Sentiment Changes: Retail sentiment for NXST dropped from 'bullish' to 'neutral' over the past month, while TEGNA shifted from 'neutral' to 'bearish', reflecting investor caution regarding the merger's prospects, which could impact stock price volatility.
- Transaction Details: NXST plans to acquire TGNA in an all-cash deal valued at $6.2 billion, offering $22 per share, representing a 31% premium over TGNA's average share price in the 30 days prior, demonstrating strong acquisition intent towards the target company.
See More
California Judge Halts Nexstar-Tegna Merger Amid Antitrust Lawsuit
- Merger Halt Order: U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley issued a late Friday order to pause the Nexstar-Tegna merger due to an antitrust lawsuit filed by TPG-owned DirecTV, which argues that the deal could lead to more frequent programming blackouts and increased consumer prices.
- Merger Context: The $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar and Tegna was completed last week after receiving clearance from the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice, but DirecTV's lawsuit introduces new legal challenges that could affect the operational model post-merger.
- Legal Challenges: A coalition of eight Democratic state attorneys general, including those from California, New York, and Colorado, has filed a similar lawsuit against the merger, reflecting widespread concerns about market competition and consumer interests, which may lead to stricter regulatory scrutiny.
- Next Steps: The judge has scheduled a court hearing for April 7 to determine whether to maintain the restraining order pending the outcome of a full trial, which could significantly impact Nexstar's integration plans.
See More
U.S. Judge Orders Nexstar to Keep Tegna Separate with Temporary Restraining Order
- Judicial Decision: A U.S. judge has issued a temporary restraining order affecting Nexstar's operations.
- Impact on Tegna: The order requires Nexstar to hold Tegna separate, indicating potential regulatory concerns or legal disputes.
See More
Nexstar Announces Early Settlement Date for TEGNA Bonds
- Early Settlement Date: Nexstar Media Inc. has announced an Early Settlement Date of March 25, 2026, for TEGNA's 5.000% Senior Notes, reflecting the company's commitment to swift debt management following the acquisition.
- Tender Offer Success: As of March 18, 2026, 94.23% of the Notes, amounting to $1.036 billion, were validly tendered, indicating strong market response and increased investor confidence in the acquisition.
- Merger Condition Met: Nexstar completed the acquisition of TEGNA on March 19, 2026, satisfying the conditions for early settlement and further solidifying its market position in the media industry.
- Future Plans: Despite the confirmed early settlement, Nexstar intends to accept any valid tenders until the expiration time on April 2, 2026, demonstrating the company's ability to adapt to market changes.
See More
NEXSTAR MEDIA INC. SETS EARLY SETTLEMENT DATE FOR TENDER OFFER AND CONSENT SOLICITATION OF TEGNA INC.’S 5.000% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2029
Announcement of Settlement Date: NEXSTAR MEDIA INC. has announced an early settlement date for its previously announced tender offer and consent solicitation.
Details of the Tender Offer: The tender offer pertains to all of Tegna Inc.'s 5.000% senior notes due in 2029.
See More
