Newsmax Urges FCC to Block Nexstar-Tegna Merger

Newsmax Media has filed a formal petition with the FCC to deny Nexstar Media Group's proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA Inc., arguing the deal would illegally consolidate broadcast power, harm competition, raise consumer prices, and undermine local news.

The Dec. 31 filing, signed by Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy, contends the merger would violate the congressional 39% national TV ownership cap—fixed in 2004 and beyond FCC authority to waive—pushing the combined company's real reach to nearly 80% of U.S. households with 244 stations across 44 states.

Newsmax warns approval would dominate local markets in 23 areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Denver, and others, enabling newsroom consolidations, layoffs, reduced local coverage, and higher retransmission fees passed to consumers—potentially accelerating a 2,000% rise in such fees over 15 years.

The petition highlights Nexstar's projected $300 million in annual synergies from cuts, plus leverage to favor its cable channel NewsNation—despite lower ratings than Newsmax—while marginalizing conservative rivals and entrenching perceived liberal media dominance.Ruddy stated the deal creates "unprecedented and dangerous consolidation," risking a domino effect of mergers. 

President Trump previously shared a Newsmax report opposing it on Truth Social, posting: "NO EXPANSION OF THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS. If anything, make them SMALLER!"

Opposition also comes from groups like CPAC and the Zionist Organization of America. Legal scholar Brian Fitzpatrick argued in an FCC letter that waivers violate the law.

Newsmax urges outright denial or a full Commission hearing, comparing it to prior blocked deals like Sinclair-Tribune.

The FCC has opened review but indicated no decision yet on the ownership cap or merger applications.