The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has granted the FCC's request to dismiss appeals in the consolidated Free Press v. FCC case, clearing a key legal obstacle to Nexstar Media Group’s approved acquisition of TEGNA.
The ruling represents a significant win for both the FCC and Nexstar, the nation’s largest local television station owner. It removes a major regulatory hurdle that opponents had hoped would derail or delay the multi-billion-dollar merger, which regulators had already approved.
With the D.C. Circuit appeals now dismissed, Nexstar will shift its legal focus to the Ninth Circuit, where it is appealing a preliminary injunction. That injunction currently requires the company to maintain TEGNA as a separate “hold separate” entity, limiting integration and operational synergies while the broader litigation continues.
The Free Press v. FCC challenges centered on arguments that the FCC improperly approved the merger, claiming it would reduce competition, harm local journalism, and concentrate too much control in the broadcast television industry. By granting the FCC’s motion to dismiss, the D.C. Circuit effectively upheld the agency’s regulatory decision and rejected those challenges at the appellate level in that venue.
The development marks the latest chapter in a high-stakes battle over media consolidation. If ultimately completed, the Nexstar-TEGNA deal would create an even larger broadcast powerhouse, owning hundreds of television stations across the country. Proponents argue the combination delivers economies of scale and strengthens local broadcasting; critics contend it threatens viewpoint diversity and local news independence.