Nexstar ready to hook up with TEGNA?

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

In court, FCC accused of running out clock on Nexstar-TEGNA challenge

May 19, 2026 - A group of public interest groups say the FCC has dragged its feet on Nexstar's acquisition of TEGNA that could complicate legal review of the matter.

thedesk.net

Here is more on the Nexstar/Tegna court hearing.

 

[DavinaR]

Nexstar Fires Back In Tegna Merger Lawsuit, Asking Appeals Court To Expedite Process

Nexstar hNexstar blasted a federal judge's freezing of the local TV giant's $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, calling it a "straightjacket" and existential threat.

deadline.com

 

[umfan]

In court, FCC accused of running out clock on Nexstar-TEGNA challenge

May 19, 2026 - A group of public interest groups say the FCC has dragged its feet on Nexstar's acquisition of TEGNA that could complicate legal review of the matter.

thedesk.net

Here is more on the Nexstar/Tegna court hearing.

Seems like a savvy strategy on the part of both the FCC and Nexstar.

 

[umfan]

Nexstar Fires Back In Tegna Merger Lawsuit, Asking Appeals Court To Expedite Process

Nexstar hNexstar blasted a federal judge's freezing of the local TV giant's $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, calling it a "straightjacket" and existential threat.

deadline.com

Nexstar makes a good point here. The PI is overbroad and may be modified or struck down by even the 9th Cricuit.

 

[MediaLover]

TEGNA has a new CEO despite the merger roadblock. The previous CEO stepped down when the merger was going to happen.

Tegna Names Patrick Paolini CEO Amid Nexstar Merger Litigation

 

[TheBigA]

Seems like a savvy strategy on the part of both the FCC and Nexstar.

It sounds like collusion. The government is colluding with a company it's supposed to regulate.

 

[umfan]

It sounds like collusion. The government is colluding with a company it's supposed to regulate.

You're way off base. They are both approaching their desired end game in separate, intelligent ways.

 

[TheBigA]

You're way off base. They are both approaching their desired end game in separate, intelligent ways.

By ignoring established rules set by the FCC, and ignoring public interest groups, who the FCC is supposed to serve.

This is why the courts have put a hold on the merger.

 

[umfan]

By ignoring established rules set by the FCC, and ignoring public interest groups, who the FCC is supposed to serve.

This is why the courts have put a hold on the merger.

The FCC is doing no such thing. Contrary to that, the FCC is taking a sober look at the current broadcast economic landscape and making what are, in my opinion, reasoned allowances to enable broadcasters to continue to operate.

 

[TheBigA]

The FCC is doing no such thing. Contrary to that, the FCC is taking a sober look at the current broadcast economic landscape and making what are, in my opinion, reasoned allowances to enable broadcasters to continue to operate.

They're selectively issuing waivers to political supporters, while selectively demanding early license renewals to others.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

Senior Corporate Execs Depart Tegna As Legal Fight Over Nexstar Merger Continues

Much of the senior corporate management team at local TV giant Tegna has left the company amid the ongoing legal battle over its merger with rival Nexstar.

deadline.com

Here is more on the Tegna/Nexstar fallout.

 

[Kent]

FTVLive is reporting Adrienne Roark is out. The First Shoe Drops at Tegna — FTVLive

It's also reporting everything is at a standstill, including hiring and contract renewals. The New Tegna Boss — FTVLive

I went to my niece's graduation from St. Louis University a couple weeks ago. This young lady sat three rows in front of her. I hope she still has a job.

 

[101tm]

WFMY in Winston Salem-Greensboro NC just hired a new meteorologist. So there’s not a complete hiring freeze.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

TEGNA promotes Kurt Rao to EVP, Chief Technology Officer

June 16, 2026 - Rao will oversee the company's digital product strategy and technology platforms, bringing together different internal teams with a goal of delivering across broadcast and digital platforms.

thedesk.net

This is interesting one would think Tegna stop hiring people because of the court order and the Nexstar merger.

TEGNA has promoted Kurt Rao to the newly created position of Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Digital Products Officer, expanding his responsibilities as the broadcaster continues to integrate its technology, product and digital operations.

The appointment was announced Thursday by TEGNA Chief Executive Officer Patrick Paolini.

In his new role, Rao will oversee the company’s digital product strategy and technology platforms, bringing together product management, engineering, technology and operations teams responsible for delivering content across broadcast, streaming, mobile and digital channels.

 

[umfan]

TEGNA promotes Kurt Rao to EVP, Chief Technology Officer

June 16, 2026 - Rao will oversee the company's digital product strategy and technology platforms, bringing together different internal teams with a goal of delivering across broadcast and digital platforms.

thedesk.net

This is interesting one would think Tegna stop hiring people because of the court order and the Nexstar merger.

I'd be surprised if Nexstar, in some fashion, wasn't consulted and approved of this.

 

[MarcB]

Sp what happens if this merger isn't resolved by September? Here in Connecticut the CW's affilation agreement with Tegna's WCCT-TV 20 expit r s in September IIRC.

 

[DavinaR]

State AGs say appeals court should uphold Nexstar-TEGNA injunction

June 18, 2026 - The states argue the injunction is necessary to preserve a meaningful remedy if they ultimately succeed in blocking the merger.

thedesk.net

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

Parties in Nexstar-TEGNA merger lawsuit propose July 2027 trial date

June 19, 2026 - Expert witness lists and discovery evidence would be exchange by the parties and disclosed to the court between August 2026 and February 2027, per court records.

thedesk.net

Here is more The Tegna/Nexstar lawsuit is to have a trial in 2027.

According to court records reviewed by The Desk, the parties agreed to an expedited schedule to disclose evidence, produce a list of witnesses and experts who are likely to testify in the case and submit other, completed records to the court, with those activities taking place between August of this year and February 2027.

Under the proposed schedule, pre-trial conference would wrap up by June 24, with depositions provided to the court on June 30. Jury selection in the trial would begin as soon as July 27.


A judge must still sign off on the order, and the dates proposed are subject to the court’s availability.

Thirteen state attorneys general and DIRECTV filed separate but related lawsuits challenging Nexstar’s then-pending acquisition of TEGNA in mid-March. Nexstar closed on the deal one day after the complaints were filed, almost immediately after receiving expedited approvals from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).