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Trump Opposes Lifting FCC’s TV Ownership Cap, Clouding NexstarTegna Deal

The public warning injects uncertainty into an FCC review of ownership limits under pressure from a major station merger.

Overview

  • Trump said on Truth Social he would oppose any move that lets "Radical Left Networks" like ABC and NBC "enlarge," rejecting changes to the 39% cap.
  • His position conflicts with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who has opened a proceeding to consider retaining, modifying or eliminating the national limit.
  • Nexstar has filed FCC applications to acquire Tegna and requested a waiver, a combination projected at about 265 stations reaching roughly 54.5% of U.S. TV homes.
  • FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has questioned whether the commission has legal authority to lift or waive what she described as a statutory cap.
  • Shares of Nexstar and Sinclair fell after Trump’s comments, and Nexstar argued the rules need modernization as the FCC continues to take public comment.