Nexstar Closes TEGNA Acquisition Following FCC and DOJ Approval

Irving, Tx. (KFMO) - Nexstar Media Group has completed its acquisition of TEGNA Inc. after winning approval from both the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. Nexstar announced Thursday, March 19, 2026 that the deal has officially closed, calling it a major step in strengthening its position in local television broadcasting.

In a company statement, Nexstar Founder, Chairman, and CEO Perry Sook said the transaction is “essential to sustaining strong local journalism in the communities we serve,” adding that the combined company will be better positioned to deliver local programming with expanded assets, capabilities, and talent. That statement was included in Nexstar’s official announcement after the merger was finalized.

The acquisition is significant in the St. Louis television market. Nexstar already owns and operates KTVI and KPLR in St. Louis, while TEGNA owns KSDK. With the transaction now complete, all three stations fall under Nexstar’s corporate umbrella. That gives the company an even larger footprint in one of Missouri’s biggest media markets. Based on the FCC approval, Nexstar’s overall reach expands substantially nationwide, with reports saying the combined company will cover about 80 percent of U.S. television households.

The deal also drew opposition. Reuters and The Associated Press reported that several Democratic-led states and DirecTV challenged the merger, arguing it could reduce local editorial diversity and increase media consolidation. Even with those objections, federal regulators approved the transaction, and Nexstar moved quickly to close the deal. Reuters reported Nexstar agreed to divest six stations over two years as part of the FCC’s approval process.

Nexstar has described the acquisition as necessary to help local broadcasters compete in a changing media environment. The company’s official release said the merger strengthens its ability to provide journalism and local programming, while critics continue to raise concerns about concentration of ownership in broadcast media.

Nexstar also owns television stations in the Kansas City, Joplin, and Springfield, Missouri, markets.