Trump Threatens to Block $3.54B Nexstar-Tegna Deal Over ’Fake News’ Concerns
Tegna (TGNA) shares fell nearly 5% after President TRUMP signaled opposition to lifting the 39% cap on local TV station ownership, a move critical to Nexstar Media's (NXST) $3.54 billion acquisition. The FCC, led by Trump-appointed chair Brendan Carr, has pushed to eliminate the decades-old rule, which the National Association of Broadcasters supports.
Trump framed the issue as a battle against 'fake news networks,' specifically naming Disney-owned ABC News and Comcast's NBC News. His remarks create uncertainty for media M&A, particularly Tegna's deal, which hinges on regulatory approval.