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
Laid-Off KTLA Weathercaster Kacey Montoya to Return for Final Weeks Kacey Montoya, a weathercaster at KTLA, will return to the airwaves for a limited time after being laid off by her station. Montoya, one of five journalists let go by Nexstar, will work the weekend weather desk starting Saturday, March 7, and continue until her position officially ends in early April. Montoya, along with fellow meteorologist Mark Kriski, anchors Lu Parker, Glen Walker, and reporter Ellina Abovian, was notified of her layoff on February 25. The station provided 60 days’ notice, allowing the team to prepare for the changes. Montoya decided to use this period to fulfill her remaining duties, as she has since joining KTLA in 2013. In a statement, Montoya expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to wrap up her time at the station. “To say that I’m overwhelmed would be an understatement, so honestly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for that,” she said. She also reflected on her 13-year tenure at KTLA, emphasizing her passion for the role. “I truly love this job and love being able to come into your home and bring you the forecast and bring you my animal welfare stories.” Montoya confirmed she will work her usual weekend shifts through March and into early April, when her employment with KTLA will conclude. She encouraged viewers to join her for the final weeks of her time at the station. “I hope you’ll join me starting this weekend,” she said. During the week, Montoya will focus on her non-profit organization, Fix’n Fidos, which raises funds to spay and neuter pets in Southern California. She also mentioned exploring other opportunities beyond her current role. “But in the meantime, join me this weekend so we can celebrate these last few weeks. I’ll see you then.#kacey_montoya #ktlas #nexstar #fixn_fidos #marc_kriski
