The Media Merger You Should Actually Care About
The New Yorker
by Jon AllsopFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The potential merger between Nexstar and Tegna, two major television station owners, has sparked significant controversy, drawing opposition from both progressive and conservative factions. Critics argue that such a deal would consolidate media power, potentially stifling independent journalism and reducing diversity of voices in the media landscape. The merger, valued at $6 billion, would create a broadcasting giant controlling over 250 stations across 44 states and Washington D.C., raising concerns about monopolistic control over local news.
Nexstar's CEO, Perry Sook, has claimed that his company does not "dictate content," yet the firm has faced criticism for its conservative leanings. For instance, Nexstar affiliates refused to air Jimmy Kimmel’s show after he made controversial remarks, while Sinclair Broadcasting previously mandated identical scripts across its news anchors, creating a uniform and partisan narrative. These actions have fueled fears that consolidation could lead to greater ideological homogenization in media.
The merger's approval hinges on an obscure FCC ownership cap, which limits any single entity from reaching more than 39% of U.S. households. A Nexstar-Tegna combination would exceed this threshold, requiring regulatory exemptions. While progressives and independent media outlets like NewsNation warn of monopolistic dominance, even some conservative voices, including One America News and NewsMax, have expressed opposition. Despite these concerns, figures like FCC Chair Brendan Carr and former President Trump have endorsed the deal, viewing it as a means to counterbalance traditional "fake news" networks.
The cultural stakes are high. The merger reflects broader tensions over media consolidation, which could erode local journalism diversity and amplify partisan echo chambers. As
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Originally published on The New Yorker on 2/26/2026