The Federal Communications Commission approved Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, consolidating 265 television stations across 44 states and Washington D.C. The deal solidifies Nexstar as the largest owner of local TV stations in the United States.

Tegna, originally spun off from Gannett media company in 2015, becomes part of a media conglomerate that will control fewer than 15% of television nationally. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defended the decision as empowering broadcasters to serve local communities despite critics warning of reduced competition.

Democratic Commissioner Anna M. Gomez criticized the approval process as occurring "behind closed doors" without proper transparency. She argued the merger would limit consumer choice and reduce market competition for both viewers and advertisers in local broadcasting markets.

Nexstar CEO Perry Sook celebrated the transaction's completion, declaring that combining the two companies creates a "stronger, more dynamic enterprise" positioned to deliver enhanced journalism and local programming.