FCC Approves Nexstar-Tegna Merger, Facing Legal Challenges

0:00Intertainment headlines in two minutes or less. You're tuned in to Intertainment and Celebrity News today. The Federal Communications Commission approved the $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar and Tegna on Thursday evening. This deal combines two major broadcast station owners, letting Nexstar control around 265 stations across 40 states and the District of Columbia. The FCC noted that Nexstar would still own less than 15% of all US television stations after the merger. FCC Chair Brendan Carr highlighted certain conditions Nexstar agreed to, like divesting some stations, boosting local programming, and taking steps for affordability. Nexstar says the merger is key to keeping strong local journalism alive in their communities. On the same day, attorneys general from eight states and direct TV filed lawsuits to stop the deal. They argue it will raise cable prices for consumers and harm local news by reducing competition

1:01in newsrooms. Critics, including the FCC's only Democratic Commissioner, called it a massive broadcast giant that breaks ownership rules limiting reach to. 39% of US households, Nexstar claims it needs the scale to compete with big media and tech companies. The lawsuits filed in a California federal court worry about price hikes past viewers and job cuts in local markets. Officials say more states might join the fight as the legal battle continues. This Dean in story is thanks to our sponsor details in the description. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening, well, I, solely pillow.com.