FCC approves Nexstar's purchase of Tegna hours after lawsuits sought to block deal

The FCC approved Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna on Thursday, clearing a major media consolidation deal despite last-minute legal challenges attempting to block it. The merger combines two of the largest U.S. broadcast television station owners, concentrating significant control over local news and programming across multiple markets. The approval came hours after lawsuits were filed seeking to halt the transaction, suggesting the regulatory review had substantially concluded despite the eleventh-hour objections. The deal will reshape the broadcast television landscape, with Nexstar expanding its already substantial footprint in local markets nationwide. Media consolidation deals of this scale typically face scrutiny over concerns about competition and local news diversity, though the FCC determined this merger met its approval standards.