Lawmakers Criticize FCC's Carr For Approving Nextsar Deal

Ranking members of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee publicly questioned FCC Chair Brendan Carr and criticized his unilateral approval of Nexstar’s merger with Tegna without taking the decision to a vote of the full commission, Bloomberg News reported Monday.

Key details: In letters and a hearing-style exchange, the senators said Carr’s move bypassed normal commission procedures and raised concerns about transparency, precedent, and the integrity of the agency’s decision-making. They urged the FCC to provide a detailed explanation for why the approval was handled administratively rather than through a formal, recorded vote by all five commissioners.

Background and context: The transaction—Nexstar’s acquisition of Tegna—would combine two major broadcast groups, a deal that has drawn scrutiny for its potential effects on local news diversity, market competition, and media consolidation. Typically, significant merger approvals at the FCC are accompanied by a public vote or a clear circulating order; the senators said departing from that practice merits congressional attention.

Reactions and potential next steps: The ranking members requested documents and timelines related to the decision and indicated they may seek further oversight, including subpoenas or hearings, if the FCC’s explanation is insufficient. Advocates and industry observers are likely to monitor whether the commission’s internal practices change or whether other commissioners challenge the procedure.

Wider implications: The episode could prompt debate in Congress and at the FCC about the balance between administrative efficiency and institutional transparency, and it may influence how future broadcast and telecommunications mergers are reviewed.