UPDATE: President Donald Trump has issued a critical warning against the proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA, Inc., raising alarms about the future of local news coverage in America. The merger could result in a company controlling 265 TV stations that reach over 80 percent of American households, a significant increase from the maximum limit set by Congress two decades ago.
This urgent matter has sparked widespread concern about the potential for “sameness” in local news coverage, as smaller stations are absorbed into larger corporate entities. Local news, once the heartbeat of American journalism, is at risk of becoming homogenized, stifling diverse voices and perspectives. Recent reports indicate that competing stations have been found duplicating news scripts word-for-word, undermining the integrity of local reporting.
Developing: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by Chairman Brendan Carr, is under pressure to approve the merger without fully considering its implications for local journalism. Critics argue that allowing such consolidation would not only threaten the quality and uniqueness of local news but also diminish the public’s trust in the information they receive.
In a recent statement, Trump underscored the need to prioritize local news, asserting, “We must protect the integrity of journalism that serves our communities.” This comes amid rising retransmission fees, which have surged by over 2,000 percent in the past 15 years, further burdening consumers. As station groups consolidate, these fees are expected to rise even more, ultimately impacting viewers’ wallets.
The proposed merger is viewed as a step backward in a media landscape already facing challenges. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy has voiced strong opposition, emphasizing that the reach cap is not merely a bureaucratic artifact but a crucial measure designed to prevent dominance in local TV markets. “Americans rely on local news for fair and balanced reporting, which is less influenced by national media narratives,” Ruddy stated.
As the regulatory bodies deliberate on the merger, the stakes are high. The potential for a significant shift in how local news is produced and consumed hangs in the balance, and many are questioning whether the public will continue to receive the diverse and trustworthy news coverage they deserve.
What’s Next: The FCC’s decision on the Nexstar-TEGNA merger is expected soon. Public advocacy for local news preservation is mounting, urging regulators to consider the long-term consequences of allowing unprecedented media consolidation. As this situation develops, the outcome will shape the landscape of local journalism across the nation.
Stay tuned as we cover this critical issue and its impact on communities nationwide.