UPDATE: President Donald Trump has raised urgent concerns about the proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA, warning that it could significantly undermine local news across the United States. As the merger threatens to consolidate control over 265 TV stations that reach more than 80 percent of American households, Trump emphasizes the critical role local news plays in informing communities.
Just announced on August 22, 2025, Trump’s declaration highlights the increasing homogenization of news coverage, where local stations are absorbed into larger conglomerates, leading to a lack of diversity in reporting. This phenomenon mirrors the decline of family-owned local newspapers, which have been absorbed by major corporations, resulting in a standardization of news that diminishes local voices and perspectives.
Local news has historically served as a vital resource for communities, offering tailored coverage of events and issues that matter most to residents. However, as stations merge under larger corporate umbrellas, audiences are left with repetitive content that lacks the authenticity and relatability of true local journalism. Reports indicate that in some markets, competing stations have been found to use identical news scripts, raising questions about the integrity of the coverage.
In a statement, Trump criticized the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for considering the merger without thoroughly assessing its implications on local media. He pointed to the importance of maintaining diverse ownership in local TV markets to ensure fair and balanced coverage, especially in shaping political narratives.
The merger would violate long-standing caps on national audience reach, established by Congress to prevent any single entity from monopolizing local media.
“Approving the Nexstar/TEGNA merger would upend the safeguards that protect local news,”
Trump stated, urging regulators to reconsider the potential impact on communities across the nation.
As the FCC deliberates, the proposed acquisition raises immediate concerns for consumers as well. Retransmission fees, which broadcasters charge cable and satellite companies, have skyrocketed by over 2,000 percent in the past 15 years. If approved, experts warn the merger could exacerbate these costs, ultimately burdening consumers with higher fees.
Critics like Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy argue that maintaining the national audience reach cap is essential for preserving local news integrity. “The Reagan-era innovation intended to prevent domination of local TV news markets is more relevant now than ever,” Ruddy asserts.
As discussions unfold, the public is urged to reflect on the importance of local news and the need for diverse ownership to protect it. The future of local journalism hangs in the balance, and the outcome of this merger could reshape how news is consumed across America.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. Local news matters, and the implications of this merger could have lasting consequences for communities nationwide.
