Overview

• Reports indicate Nexstar is in advanced talks to acquire Tegna, though neither company has publicly confirmed the discussions.
• Tegna’s stock jumped roughly 30% on August 11 after Deadline, Reuters and The Wall Street Journal first reported the potential transaction.
• A U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruling last month eliminated the Top Four rule, clearing a key legal barrier to in-market consolidation.
• Under FCC Chair Brendan Carr, the agency has opened a public-comment period on lifting the national station ownership cap ahead of an August 22 deadline.
• Public-interest advocates and smaller broadcasters warn further consolidation could undermine competition and strain local newsrooms.