Nexstar Media Group Thursday posted record net revenue of $1.396 billion in the first quarter, a 13.1% increase from the same period a year ago, the company announced.
Net income surged 64.9% year-over-year to $160 million, while advertising revenue climbed 19.1% to $548 million, highlighting robust demand across the company’s television stations, digital platforms, and national advertising sales.
The strong performance marks Nexstar’s best-ever first-quarter top-line result and reflects continued momentum in core broadcasting operations as the company benefits from a recovering advertising market and its diversified media portfolio.
Nexstar’s Q1 results underscore improving industry conditions for local television groups, with advertising revenue growth outpacing overall revenue gains. The 19.1% jump in ad sales points to higher political spending, strong automotive and retail categories, and increased digital advertising on the company’s websites and apps.
Nexstar, one of the largest local television station operators in the United States with ownership or affiliation of more than 200 stations reaching nearly 40% of U.S. households, has been expanding its digital and streaming footprint in recent years to complement traditional broadcast revenue.
These record quarterly figures position the company favorably as it moves through 2026, with potential further uplift expected later in the year from major political and sporting events that typically drive significant advertising demand.