Trump Endorses Nexstar's $6.2 Billion Tegna Acquisition

President Donald Trump endorsed Nexstar Media Group's proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of rival broadcaster Tegna on Saturday, marking a shift from his earlier reservations about the deal. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that the merger would increase competition against national television networks, stating, "We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks," and urging regulators to "GET THAT DEAL DONE!"

The acquisition, announced in August, aims to combine two major players in local broadcast media. Nexstar currently operates or partners with more than 200 stations across 116 markets, including networks such as The CW and NewsNation. Tegna owns 64 stations in 51 markets. If approved, the deal would create the largest U.S. station group, with 265 stations reaching about 80 percent of television households in 44 states and the District of Columbia. The transaction, valued at $3.54 billion in cash plus assumed debt, requires approval from Tegna shareholders and federal regulators. It is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

Trump's support contrasts with his November comments, when he expressed concern that relaxing ownership rules...