US Senators Probe FCC Chief Over Fast-Tracked Nexstar-Tegna Deal

Senators from the Commerce Committee formally challenged the FCC chair in a March 2026 letter over the unilateral approval of Nexstar Media Group’s $8.6 billion acquisition of Tegna Inc. without a full commission vote. The deal consolidates two major broadcast giants, expanding Nexstar’s reach to 144 TV stations—raising antitrust concerns about reduced media diversity and local news competition. Critics argue the FCC bypassed standard procedural safeguards by approving the merger via "delegated authority," a rarely used power that avoids commission-wide scrutiny. The letter demands justification for the accelerated process, citing potential conflicts with public interest obligations and transparency norms in media regulation. Lawmakers hint at further oversight, including hearings or legislative action, if the FCC fails to address concerns about the merger’s impact on consumers and market fairness.