KING, KGW, KREM and Tegna staff nationwide (WFAA, Dallas, KUSA, Denver, WXIA, Atlanta), among others, sadly know what's next.
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Closes Acquisition of TEGNA Inc.
March 19, 2026
Company Receives Approval of Transaction from Federal Communications Commission and U.S. Department of Justice
IRVING, TX (Mar. 19, 2026)—Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXST), today announced that it has closed its acquisition of TEGNA Inc. following approval of the transaction from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).
Nexstar’s Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Perry Sook commented:
“This transaction is essential to sustaining strong local journalism in the communities we serve. By bringing these two outstanding companies together, Nexstar will be a stronger, more dynamic enterprise—better positioned to deliver exceptional journalism and local programming with enhanced assets, capabilities, and talent. We are grateful to President Trump, Chairman Carr, and the DOJ for recognizing the dynamic forces shaping the media landscape and enabling this transaction to move forward.”
###
About Nexstar Media Group:
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), is a leading diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms.
Investor Contacts:
Lee Ann Gliha
Chief Financial Officer
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
972/373-8800
Joseph Jaffoni or Jennifer Neuman
JCIR
212/835-8500 or nxst@jcir.com
Media Contact:
Gary Weitman
EVP/Chief Communications Officer
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
972/373-8800 or gweitman@nexstar.tv
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Not surprised, but gutted all the same. I feel for everyone working at all Nexstar and Tegna stations who may be impacted by the consolidations and layoffs that are sure to come as a result. This is a very grim moment for local broadcasting, journalism, and democracy.
ReplyDeleteWell said, IDC. I can’t see KING and all the other stations in this mega merger being anything more than thinly staffed local storefronts for a giant hubbing operation.
ReplyDeleteI hope it doesn't get to that point, but I do fear your prediction will come true, particularly in smaller markets.
DeleteI would expect layoffs in Portland, but as for KING, any layoffs I predict would probably be similar to the old Tegna buyouts of years past that saw Bounds/Enersen/Renner all retire. So in this case people like Joyce, Rich, Paul Silvi, Chris Egan could all be in trouble there. I mean, Joyce handles the 5 solo but I would presume you could stick Madison Wade there and not miss a beat and perhaps save some dough in the process?
DeleteYou could certainly put Wade on the 5pm show weeknights and save money. But she doesn't have the longevity in the market or the familiarity with viewers that Joyce has. I reckon KING would miss a beat or two if they made such a move. However, that could partially depend on who replaces Mary Nam at KOMO. That is still unknown.
DeleteAs for Portland, no doubt there will be sizeable layoffs when Nexstar inevitably merges KOIN and KGW. Every merger of news departments that Nexstar executes is going to be brutal, but the merger of KOIN and KGW may be especially so for us here in the Northwest since it is just down the road from us, and many of us know what KGW has been capiable of over the years, courtesy of NWCN.
This ain't good at all. I wonder if government cheese and potatoes are still available.
ReplyDeleteIt's not over yet. Eight states have already filed suit against the merger.
ReplyDeleteAnd DirecTV has also filed a separate suit. So any layoffs may have to wait while this works through the courts
DeleteAs has DirecTV. I wish them all the best of luck in pursuing their lawsuits. They have an uphill battle ahead of them.
DeleteSomehow, I think Nexstar will move ahead with its plans to merge newsrooms and sever staff, lawsuits notwithstanding. They now sign the paychecks. Some Tegna folks may decide to leave on their own terms if they feel vulnerable or may even be willing to take pay cuts to stay. One thing is certain, the level of fear and nervousness will be in place. I can imagine families using this weekend to discuss contingencies. I know I would.
DeleteFor sure Wayne
DeleteThe questions are how fast can they merge newsrooms and cut staff, how soon will the courts respond, and what will be left of Tegna to restore or divest if the courts order Nexstar to do do. It will be interesting to see, but it sure won't be pleasant for anyone caught up in the middle of it.
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