NC Sues to Block TV News Merger, Citing Price Hikes and Content Loss North Carolina’s attorney general, Jeff Jackson, has filed a lawsuit to block a proposed merger between two major television news companies, Tegna and Nexstar, arguing the deal would harm consumers by raising prices and reducing the quality of local news. The lawsuit, joined by other states, claims the merger would create a dominant media entity with unchecked power to control content and increase costs for television subscribers. The case centers on the merger’s potential to consolidate control over a vast network of broadcast stations, which together cover about 80% of the U.S. population. Under federal antitrust rules, no single company should own stations serving more than 39% of the country. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under former President Donald Trump proposed waiving this rule to approve the merger. Jackson and other state attorneys general argue this would allow the merged company to dominate local news markets, leading to fewer independent journalists and higher prices for consumers. In North Carolina, the lawsuit highlights concerns about the merger’s impact on local newsrooms. The state is home to multiple media markets where Tegna and Nexstar currently compete, including Charlotte, Greensboro, and parts of northeastern North Carolina. If the merger proceeds, the lawsuit predicts widespread layoffs or newsroom closures, as the combined company would likely eliminate redundant operations to cut costs. This could result in reduced coverage of local issues, including political developments and community events, which are critical for an informed public. Jackson compared the case to his ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation over Ticketmaster’s pricing practices.#nexstar #north_carolina #jeff_jackson #tegna #federal_communications_commission
