A newly approved mega-merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc. is sparking a high-profile political feud between Gavin Newsom and Brendan Carr, even as legal challenges to the deal continue.
The merger cleared last week by both the FCC and the DOJ creates a broadcasting giant controlling nearly 260 stations nationwide. Shortly after receiving approval, Nexstar confirmed the acquisition had officially closed.
Central to the controversy is the FCC’s decision to grant Nexstar a waiver from its national media ownership cap, which typically prevents a single company from reaching more than 50% of U.S. households. The combined Nexstar-Tegna footprint extends to roughly 80%, drawing sharp criticism from Newsom.
Calling the move “a disgrace,” Newsom directly attacked Carr, accusing him of abusing regulatory authority and favoring political interests. He also referenced past comments and actions by Carr that he claims suggest efforts to influence media coverage and pressure broadcasters.
Those concerns stem in part from previous incidents involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Last year, Carr warned broadcasters following controversy over a joke tied to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. In podcast remarks, Carr suggested stations could either address such content voluntarily or face increased regulatory scrutiny. Soon after, Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group temporarily pulled Kimmel’s show from some ABC-affiliated stations, though it was later restored.
Carr has also recently signaled a tougher stance toward broadcasters more broadly. Earlier this month, after criticism from Donald Trump over media coverage of the war in Iran, Carr warned that stations airing what he described as “hoaxes” or “news distortions” could risk losing their licenses if they fail to meet public interest standards.
Responding to Newsom’s criticism, Carr fired back on social media, accusing the governor of acting on behalf of “liberal Hollywood donors” and media elites. Carr argued that stronger FCC oversight is necessary to hold broadcasters accountable and prevent biased or misleading coverage.