Imagine a multi-billion-dollar media merger hanging in the balance, swayed by public opinion, political tweets, and regulatory hurdles. That’s the reality for Nexstar CEO Perry Sook, who’s navigating a storm of controversy surrounding the company’s proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of rival Tegna. But here’s where it gets controversial: even former President Trump has weighed in, sparking a debate that could reshape the future of local TV.
In a recent appearance at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference, Sook remained confident the deal would secure approval, despite Trump’s unexpected criticism. The former president, known for his fiery social media presence, expressed concerns that lifting the FCC’s ownership cap—a crucial step for the merger—could amplify left-leaning voices. Trump’s comments echoed those of Chris Ruddy, founder of conservative network Newsmax, who warned against allowing “Radical Left Networks” to expand.
And this is the part most people miss: the merger, if approved, would double Nexstar’s reach, allowing a single company to own stations reaching up to 78% of U.S. households—a move that has both supporters and critics up in arms. Proponents argue it would level the playing field between local TV and tech giants like Netflix, while opponents fear it could stifle diversity in media voices.
Sook, however, remains unfazed by the noise. At the UBS conference, he acknowledged the whirlwind of opinions but emphasized the need to stay focused. “We’ll be whipsawed by public takes,” he admitted, referring to the two-month FCC public comment period ending in January. “But we can’t let the noise distract us. We need to keep our heads down and do the work.”
Here’s the bold part: Sook openly respects Trump’s right to voice his opinion, even as it complicates the merger’s path. “He’s attuned to the media,” Sook noted, adding that Trump’s pro-business stance during his presidency actually paved the way for such a deal. Yet, Trump’s recent criticism raises a thought-provoking question: Can a merger this transformative truly balance the interests of business, regulation, and public opinion?
Beyond Trump’s tweets, the merger faces scrutiny from the Department of Justice, whose antitrust division has been notably opaque compared to the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr. Carr, a Trump appointee, has consistently supported lifting the ownership cap, but the final decision may land in court. Sook revealed that Nexstar has scheduled “interactive” meetings with DOJ officials in 2026, which could lead to refinements in the merger agreement.
So, what do you think? Is this merger a necessary step to compete with Big Tech, or does it pose a threat to media diversity? Let’s spark a discussion—share your thoughts in the comments below!
