State attorneys general are playing politics with local news. Democracy pays the price
A coalition of state attorneys general is attempting to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger, which has already received federal approval. This merger is significant for local television as it aims to enhance operational scale and sustainability in a competitive media landscape. Critics argue that the merger could lead to increased retransmission fees, but the real competition for local news comes from digital platforms that have reshaped media consumption.
- ▪Approximately 65% of U.S. adults still rely on local television news for various updates.
- ▪Nexstar Media Group is the largest owner of local television stations in the U.S., operating hundreds of stations.
- ▪The merger with TEGNA Inc. would allow Nexstar to spread fixed costs across a larger network, improving long-term sustainability.
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Millions of Americans still tune in to local television news for weather alerts, traffic updates, sports, school closings, and community affairs. While the share of the public getting news from local television has declined somewhat, roughly 65% of U.S. adults share this common civic experience. Recommended Stories Trump Iran deal: It’s not a victory if the regime survives Rated W for woke: The FCC should upgrade the TV ratings system COVID patients died in crowded hospitals while ICU beds sat unused. Hantavirus could expose same flaw This is why it is concerning that a coalition of state attorneys general, working in league with DIRECTV, is now trying to kill the Nexstar-Tegna merger after federal regulators already approved it.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
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