1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The Nexstar-Tegna merger threatens local democracy through media monopolization. This $6.2 billion deal creates 265 stations reaching 80% of American households. Current FCC rules limit ownership to 39% of households nationwide. The UHF discount loophole allows companies to reach 78% instead. Nexstar’s footprint already overlaps with Tegna in 35 markets. Sinclair also proposed competing bids to acquire these same stations. These mergers concentrate local news control in few corporate hands. Media consolidation destroys independent local journalism across American communities. Research shows 40% of stations belong to large groups owning 51+ stations. Less than 20% of households live in markets with female-owned stations. Only 5% of households access Black-owned local television stations. Sinclair was fined $48 million for misleading regulators during previous mergers. The FCC found Sinclair used shell companies to evade ownership limits. Sixteen press freedom groups oppose lifting current ownership restrictions entirely. Congressional action must stop this monopolization of local news immediately. The 39% ownership cap exists to preserve diverse local voices. These mergers eliminate competition and reduce local news quality. Small markets lose independent reporting when corporate chains take control. Cable companies pass higher costs to consumers from consolidated broadcasters. Block all pending broadcast mergers exceeding current ownership limits. Investigate corporate schemes to circumvent FCC ownership rules. Strengthen media diversity requirements instead of weakening ownership protections. American democracy requires independent local journalism, not corporate news monopolies.