Perry Sook on Navigating Public Reactions to the Upcoming Tegna Merger, Including Views from President Trump

Nexstar CEO Remains Optimistic on Tegna Acquisition Despite Presidential Criticism

Nexstar CEO Perry Sook expressed confidence that the local television giant’s acquisition of rival Tegna will receive regulatory approval, notwithstanding recent critical remarks by former President Donald Trump. Sook made his statements at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference, where he addressed the proposed $6.2 billion merger.

Nexstar, alongside other broadcasters, has been advocating for the elimination of federal ownership caps, a necessary step for the approval of the Nexstar-Tegna deal. Currently, a single media company may own stations that collectively reach a maximum of 39% of U.S. households. If approved, the merger would effectively double that reach.

Trump recently expressed his opposition to lifting the ownership cap in a post on Truth Social, voicing concerns that it could enable left-leaning media outlets to gain influence. He referred to ABC and NBC as a “disaster” and suggested that he would not support any changes that might enlarge these networks’ reach.

During the UBS conference, Sook reiterated Nexstar’s position, emphasizing the company’s need to remain focused amidst external commentary. “I don’t think these will be the only tweets you’ll ever see on this transaction,” he stated, acknowledging the former president’s engagement with media affairs. “We need to just keep our heads down and do the work.”

Sook further cautioned Nexstar’s executive team about navigating the opinions and speculations surrounding the merger, especially as the Federal Communications Commission manages a two-month public comment period, which will conclude in January. He recognized that the merger would create a local television powerhouse, which has prompted a range of public reactions.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, has shown support for lifting the ownership cap. Advocates argue this change could help local television compete more effectively with larger tech companies. However, the necessity of Congressional approval remains debated, and any forthcoming legal challenges could complicate the regulatory process, even though no lawsuits have been filed regarding the current ownership rules.

Looking ahead, Sook indicated that meetings with the Department of Justice are scheduled for 2026, where discussions could lead to potential modifications of the merger agreement. While it is too early to assess the likelihood of divestitures, he noted that any such adjustments would be considered “immaterial” to the overarching deal.

Reflecting on Trump’s dual role as a critic and a pro-business voice, Sook acknowledged, “We wouldn’t be contemplating this transaction if he weren’t in the White House.”