Nexstar Media Group has closed on its acquisition of TEGNA following FCC approval for the merger. Commissioner Anna Gomez has asserted that the commission never actually voted on the proposal.
In a statement, Commissioner Gomez lambasted the decision by the organization. She stated that the deal was “approved behind closed doors with no open process, no full Commission vote, and no transparency for the consumers and communities who will bear the consequences.”
Anna Gomez added that she believes the merger between Nexstar and TEGNA will be viewed negatively in the future.
“The consequences of this rubber stamp approval will be felt in living rooms and newsrooms across the country, resulting in fewer voices, less competition, and higher costs for consumers,” Gomez said.
Both the Department of Justice and the FCC both signed off on the acquisition on Thursday, paving the way for the local TV giant to complete its acquisition of TEGNA. The deal now gives Nexstar Media Group ownership of 265 local TV stations around the country.
With the approval of the deal, Nexstar Media Group now reaches roughly 80% of U.S. TV households. That figure well surpasses the 39% cap limited by federal regulations.
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