FCC's Gomez Claims Nexstar Approval Was Made Secretly

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez sharply criticized the approval of the Nexstar/TEGNA merger, arguing the decision violated federal ownership limits and lacked transparency, accountability, and a full Commission vote.

Gomez said the FCC’s Media Bureau approved the deal “behind closed doors,” without public input or open deliberation, despite its scale and the novel regulatory issues it raises. She contended that a transaction of this magnitude—one that exceeds the 39% national ownership cap—should have been reviewed by the full Commission in a transparent process.

She warned that the merger will accelerate media consolidation at a time when local journalism is already under pressure. According to Gomez, the deal will concentrate broadcast power among fewer corporations, reduce independent editorial voices, and shift decision-making further away from local communities.

The commissioner also pointed to ongoing newsroom cuts by Nexstar Media Group, arguing that further consolidation will lead to more layoffs and diminished local coverage. She added that larger media companies gain increased negotiating leverage, which can drive up consumer costs through higher fees.

Gomez concluded that the approval will have widespread consequences, resulting in fewer choices, less competition, and higher bills for consumers, while weakening the role of local news in communities nationwide.