{{Short description|American media company}} {{Distinguish|text = NEXTAR or NetStar Communications, the former name of Bell Media's subsidiary, CTV Specialty Television, Inc.}} {{redirect|Nexstar|the telescope brand|Celestron|similarly spelled subjects|Next Star (disambiguation)}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox company | name = Nexstar Media Group, Inc. | logo = Nexstar Media Group logo (color).svg | logo_size = | former_name = Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. (1996–2017) | type = Public | traded_as = {{ubl|{{NASDAQ|NXST}}|S&P 400 component}} | ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|US65336K1034}} | fate = | predecessors = {{ubl|Quorum Broadcasting|Newport Television|Grant Broadcasting|Communications Corporation of America|Media General|West Virginia Media Holdings|Tribune Media/Broadcasting}} | founder = Perry A. Sook | area_served = United States | key_people = {{ubl|{{nowrap|Perry A. Sook}}|{{nowrap|(founder, chairman, & CEO)}}|{{nowrap|Michael Biard}}|{{nowrap|(president & COO)}}|{{nowrap|Lee Ann Gliha}}|{{nowrap|(CFO)}}}} | industry = Mass media | services = Broadcasting<br>Publishing | revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|5.4 billion|link=yes}} | revenue_year = 2024 | operating_income = {{increase}} US$1.3 billion | income_year = 2024 | net_income = {{increase}} US$722 million | net_income_year = 2024 | assets = {{increase}} US$11.5 billion | assets_year = 2024 | equity = {{increase}} US$2.2 billion | equity_year = 2024 | owner = Perry A. Sook (largest insider shareholder) | num_employees = 13,005 | num_employees_year = 2024 | divisions = {{ubl|Nexstar Broadcasting|Nexstar Digital|The CW (81%)|NewsNation|The Hill}} | subsid = Tegna Inc. | founded = {{Start date and age|1996|6|17}} | hq_location_city = {{ubl|Irving, Texas, U.S. (corporate)|New York City (operational)| Chicago, Illinois (additional office)}} | hq_location_country = | website = {{URL|nexstar.tv}} | footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/nxst/ownership-summary|title=Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NXST) Ownership Summary|website=NASDAQ.com|language=en|access-date=September 1, 2019}}</ref> }}
'''Nexstar Media Group, Inc.''', is an American multimedia conglomerate headquartered in Irving, Texas, with operational headquarters in Midtown Manhattan and an additional office in Chicago. Founded on June 17, 1996, Nexstar is the largest television broadcasting company in the United States, owning 265 television stations—most of which are affiliated with the four major American television networks and MyNetworkTV—in markets as large as New York City and as small as San Angelo, Texas, and operating additional stations through local marketing agreements with certain affiliates such as Mission Broadcasting and Vaughan Media to satisfy existing regulations set in place by the Federal Communications Commission.<ref name="tvnc-fire">{{cite web|title=Virtual Duopolies Coming Under Fire|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/virtual-duopolies-coming-under-fire/|work=TV News Check|date=June 9, 2010 |access-date=Sep 23, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/29/business/media/local-tv-stations-cut-costs-by-sharing-news-operations.html|title=Local TV Stations Cut Costs by Sharing News Operations|last=Stelter|first=Brian|date=May 28, 2012|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 29, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="b&c-marshall">{{cite web |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=June 6, 2014 |title=Nexstar Plans Sale of Three Fox Affiliates For $58.5 Million |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/nexstar-plans-sale-three-fox-affiliates-585-million/131616 |access-date=March 3, 2018 |website=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/News_Releases/1999/nrmm9019.html|title=Fcc Revises Local Television Ownership Rules|publisher=Fcc.gov|date=August 5, 1999|access-date=March 3, 2018|archive-date=December 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203060407/http://fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/News_Releases/1999/nrmm9019.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In addition, Nexstar owns three radio stations, WGN in Chicago, WBNS and WBNS-FM in Columbus, operates mid-major TV network The CW and oversees The CW Plus syndication service through an 81% majority stake, in which all CW and CW Plus affiliates the company previously owned became directly owned-and-operated stations (O&O).<ref>{{cite web |last=Channick |first=Robert |date=September 16, 2019 |title=Tribune Media sale to Nexstar approved by FCC; WGN-Ch. 9 no longer Chicago's very own |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-tribune-nexstar-sale-approved-fcc-wgn-20190916-hlbtp65ye5htxg3hnuunmo5nqu-story.html |access-date=September 17, 2019 |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=September 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917092741/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-tribune-nexstar-sale-approved-fcc-wgn-20190916-hlbtp65ye5htxg3hnuunmo5nqu-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=August 15, 2022 |title=The CW Poised To Get New Corporate Home As Nexstar Confirms Plan For 75% Ownership Stake; Mark Pedowitz To Remain CEO |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-cw-nexstar-new-owner-closes-deal-broadcast-tv-1235092108/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815111059/https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-cw-nexstar-new-owner-closes-deal-broadcast-tv-1235092108/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The company also owns two terrestrial television networks airing classic shows, Antenna TV and Rewind TV, one FAST channel airing sports programming, SportsGrid, and controls pay television network NewsNation. Nexstar has been described as politically conservative, but not as much as Sinclair.<ref name="Vilas-Boas"/><ref name="Hayes"/><ref name="Winter">{{Cite news |last=Winter |first=Mesghan |date=July 20, 2020 |title=Nexstar Nation |url=https://www.cjr.org/special_report/nexstar-nation.php |access-date=September 21, 2025 |work=Columbia Journalism Review}}</ref>
==History== ===1996–2010: Formation=== {{multiple image | direction = vertical | align = right | width = 250 | image1 = Nexstar Broadcasting Group logo (1996-2006).svg | caption1 = Nexstar Broadcasting Group logo (June 17, 1996–2006) | image2 = Nexstar Broadcasting Group logo.svg | caption2 = Nexstar Broadcasting Group logo (2006–January 17, 2017) }}
Nexstar Media Group was formed as '''Nexstar Broadcasting Group''' on June 17, 1996, initially backed by ABRY Partners.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NXST) Company Profile & Facts - Yahoo Finance |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/NXST/profile/}}</ref> The first television station bought by Nexstar was WYOU in Scranton, Pennsylvania.<ref name="Citi960618">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/citizens-voice-wyou-tv-sold/140848682/|date=June 18, 1996|page=7|first=Geri Anne|last=Kaikowski|title=WYOU-TV sold|newspaper=Citizens' Voice|location=Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 14, 2024|archive-date=February 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215005125/https://www.newspapers.com/article/citizens-voice-wyou-tv-sold/140848682/|url-status=live}}</ref> Nexstar bought WYOU from Diversified Communications.<ref name="rich">{{cite news |last=Mates |first=Rich |title=Sale of WYOU-TV Is Approved by the FCC |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-tribune-sale-of-wyou-tv-is-app/171851047/ |access-date=May 6, 2025 |work=The Scranton Times |date=September 17, 1996 |location=Scranton, Pennsylvania |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The sale was completed on September 28 of that year.<ref>[http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=228127 Application Search Details] ''CDBS Public Access'', Federal Communications Commission, Retrieved March 12, 2017.</ref> Nexstar promptly fired two anchors and laid off several long-term staff members.<ref name=rich/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://archives.timesleader.com/1998/1998_14/1998_08_14_EX_ANCHOR_SUES_OVER_HER_FIRING_DEBBIE_DUNLEAVY_WORKED_AT_LOCAL_T.html|title=Ex-Anchor Sues Over Her Firing Debbie Dunleavy Worked At Local TV Station From 1978 To 1996|last=Adams|first=Bonnie|date=August 14, 1998|work=Times Leader|access-date=January 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813143745/http://archives.timesleader.com/1998/1998_14/1998_08_14_EX_ANCHOR_SUES_OVER_HER_FIRING_DEBBIE_DUNLEAVY_WORKED_AT_LOCAL_T.html|archive-date=August 13, 2017|publisher=Civitas Media|page=3A}}</ref> Nexstar founder Perry Sook said that WYOU would be Nexstar's flagship station, keeping an office off the newsroom for years.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} In 1998, Nexstar purchased WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Because this was in the same market as WYOU, WYOU was 'sold' to Mission Broadcasting. This began the first-ever 'shared-services' agreement between stations. WYOU's sales staff was kept in Scranton, while the production and news operations were moved to WBRE's offices in Wilkes-Barre. WYOU staff who were not laid off were fired by Nexstar, hired by Mission, and eventually rehired by Nexstar. Mission Broadcasting then paid Nexstar to operate and control the production and news-gathering operations while Mission kept the sales and management team.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}
In 1997, Nexstar acquired WJET-TV in Erie, Pennsylvania, from Jet Broadcasting, for which it paid $18.5 million.<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 16, 1997|title=Changing Hands|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/97-OCR/BC-1997-10-06-OCR-Page-0054.pdf|access-date=October 11, 2021}}</ref> On January 12, 1998, Nexstar acquired three stations owned by the U.S. Broadcast Group, including KFDX-TV, KBTV-TV, and KSNF, for $64.3 million.<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 2, 1998|title=The Big Deals Club|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/98-OCR/BC-1998-02-02-OCR-Page-0037.pdf|access-date=October 8, 2021}}</ref> In 1999, Nexstar bought out WROC-TV in Rochester, New York, from Smith Broadcasting.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 29, 1999|title=Sold!|work=Broadcasting & Cable|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/99-OCR/BC-1999-03-29-OCR-Page-0072.pdf|access-date=October 11, 2021}}</ref> In 2003, Nexstar acquired Quorum Broadcasting, owner of ten television stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2003/09/08/daily60.html|title=Nexstar to acquire Quorum Broadcasting|date=September 12, 2003|work=Dallas Business Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1142417/000119312503049738/dex991.htm|title=Press Release|website=sec.gov|access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20031231005039/en/Nexstar-Broadcasting-Completes-Acquisition-Quorum-Broadcast-Holdings|title=Nexstar Broadcasting Completes Acquisition of Quorum Broadcast Holdings|date=December 31, 2003|work=Business Wire|access-date=November 5, 2018|language=en}}</ref> Also that year, it went public on the NASDAQ,<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/25/business/nexstar-joins-crowd-of-initial-offerings.html</ref> and purchased KARK-TV and WDHN-TV from Morris Multimedia.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Tilley|first1=Leadership changes announced for U. S. Marshals Museum Foundation boardMichael|last2=Tilley|first2=Arkansas River tonnage up more than 3%; Hurricane Ida damages downstream infrastructureMichael|date=July 21, 2003|title=Nexstar In Line?|url=https://talkbusiness.net/2003/07/nexstar-in-line/|access-date=October 19, 2021|website=Talk Business & Politics|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2006, Nexstar bought out WTAJ-TV and the licensee rights of WLYH-TV from SJL Broadcasting for $56 million.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Press Release of Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc.|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1142417/000119312507000688/dex991.htm|access-date=October 11, 2021|website=www.sec.gov}}</ref>
On March 20, 2009, Nexstar operated television stations that were owned by Four Points Media Group through an outsourcing agreement. However, on September 8, 2011, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced its intent to purchase the Four Points stations outright and took over the MSA for the stations that October upon Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approval of the deal. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave final approval of the group deal on December 21, and the Sinclair purchase of the Four Points stations was completed on January 1, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/nexstar-managing-four-points-stations-34382|title=Nexstar Managing Four Points Stations|last=Malone|first=Michael|date=March 23, 2009|website=Broadcasting & Cable|language=en-us|access-date=January 7, 2019}}</ref>
===2011–2013: Retransmission consent dispute with Fox=== In 2011, Nexstar and Fox entered into a dispute over terms of reverse compensation; this occurred as Fox began to aggressively seek shares of earnings from retransmission consent agreements with cable and satellite operators as part of affiliation agreement renewals between station groups with affiliates whose affiliation contracts had already expired (and carrying the network's programming without a contractual agreement) or were near expiration. Reportedly, the amount from retransmission consent fees from cable and satellite operators that Fox wanted its affiliates to pay the network would be 25 cents per subscriber during the first year of the affiliation agreement, increasing to 50 cents by the fourth year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2011/04/12/50547/fox-gives-no-ground-on-retrans-sharing|title=Fox Gives No Ground On Retrans Sharing|last=Bednarski|first=P.J.|date=April 12, 2011|work=TVNewsCheck|access-date=November 5, 2018|publisher=NewsCheckMedia, LLC.|language=en-US}}</ref> President of affiliate sales and marketing for Fox, Mike Hopkins, had said earlier in the year that the network would consider moving its affiliation to another market station as a last resort if existing affiliates did not agree to the terms for reverse compensation retrans sharing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/fox-inks-new-affiliation-agreements-scraps-others-42886|title=Fox Inks New Affiliation Agreements, Scraps Others|last=Malone|first=Michael|date=May 11, 2011|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=November 5, 2018|language=en-us}}</ref>
Fox dropped its affiliation from Nexstar-owned/managed stations in four markets, with three of the replacement stations adding Fox in addition to existing affiliations with the MyNetworkTV programming service (owned by Fox parent company News Corporation). In Indiana, two markets saw Fox go from a primary affiliation of one station to joining an existing MyNetworkTV-affiliated digital subchannel of a competing Big Three station, with MyNetworkTV going to a secondary affiliation: in Evansville, Fox moved from WTVW (which then became an independent station and later joined the CW) to a MyNetworkTV-affiliated subchannel of CBS affiliate WEVV-TV on July 1, while in Fort Wayne, the Fox affiliation moved from WFFT-TV to a MyNetworkTV-affiliated subchannel of NBC affiliate WISE-TV on August 1.<ref name=tvnc-wfftnofox>{{cite news|title=Fox Moves Afills In Springfield, Ft. Wayne |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2011/06/20/52002/fox-moves-affils-in-springfield-ft-wayne|access-date=June 20, 2011|newspaper=TVNewsCheck|date=June 20, 2011}}</ref> The network also moved its affiliation in Springfield, Missouri from KSFX-TV (operated in a duopoly with area CBS affiliate KOLR) to upstart MyNetworkTV affiliate KRBK on September 1, 2011, with both stations becoming independents.<ref name="tvnc-wfftnofox"/>
Nexstar chose to drop Fox from WFXW in Terre Haute, Indiana and re-affiliate with ABC on September 1, 2011 (becoming the only Nexstar station thus far to affiliate with another network following the removal of the Fox affiliation) as part of a long-term renewal agreement between Nexstar and ABC for the group's nine existing ABC stations, reversing a 1995 switch that saw Terre Haute losing over-the-air carriage of ABC programs (since then, ABC has been seen in the market via Indianapolis affiliate WRTV on area cable and satellite providers);<ref>[http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/470385-Nexstar_s_WFXW_Switching_From_Fox_to_ABC.php "Nexstar's WFXW Switching From Fox To ABC,"] from ''Broadcasting & Cable'', June 28, 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701182045/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/470385-Nexstar_s_WFXW_Switching_From_Fox_to_ABC.php |date=July 1, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="tvnc-wfxwtowawv">{{cite news|last=Jessell|first=Harry A.|title=Nexstar Drops Fox For ABC In Terre Haute|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2011/06/28/52203/nexstar-drops-fox-for-abc-in-terre-haute|access-date=June 28, 2011|newspaper=TVNewsCheck|date=June 28, 2011}}</ref> the Fox affiliation then moved to a digital subchannel of CBS affiliate WTHI-TV which also added MyNetworkTV as a secondary affiliation. Nexstar's remaining Fox affiliates have since signed a renewal agreement through December 2013;<ref name="tvnc-nexstarfoxrenewal">{{cite news|last=McAvoy|first=Kim|title=Fox Is TV's New Station Group Leader|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2012/04/15/58737/fox-is-tvs-new-station-group-leader|access-date=April 17, 2012|newspaper=TVNewsCheck|date=April 15, 2012|quote=Nexstar renewed its remaining eight Fox affiliates through December 2013.}}</ref> In addition, following the settlement of Nexstar's antitrust lawsuit against WISE-TV's then-owner Granite Broadcasting, WFFT-TV reclaimed the Fox affiliation on March 1, 2013.<ref name="tvs-wfftfoxreturn">{{cite news|last=Knox|first=Merrill|title=Nexstar, Granite Settle Antitrust Lawsuit, Returning Fox Affiliation to Fort Wayne's WFFT|url=https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/nexstar-granite-settle-antitrust-lawsuit-returning-fox-affiliation-to-fort-waynes-wfft/|access-date=February 6, 2013|newspaper=TVSpy|date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304130555/http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/nexstar-granite-settle-antitrust-lawsuit-returning-fox-affiliation-to-fort-waynes-wfft_b79808|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="b&c-wfftfoxback">{{cite news|last=Malone |first=Michael |title=Nexstar's WFFT Fort Wayne Back in Fox Fold |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/491739-Nexstar_s_WFFT_Fort_Wayne_Back_in_Fox_Fold.php |access-date=February 6, 2013 |newspaper=Broadcasting & Cable |date=February 6, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210112644/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/491739-Nexstar_s_WFFT_Fort_Wayne_Back_in_Fox_Fold.php |archive-date=February 10, 2013 }}</ref> Nexstar would purchase KRBK in late 2018, restoring its ownership of the Fox affiliation in the Springfield, Missouri market.
===2012–2019: Expansion by acquisitions=== In July 2012, Nexstar agreed to purchase eleven stations and Inergize Digital Media from Newport Television, with two stations going to affiliate Mission Broadcasting.<ref name=tvnc-saletonexstar>{{cite news|title=Newport Sells 22 Station For $1 Billion|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/60876/newport-sells-22-stations-for-1-billion|access-date=July 19, 2012 |newspaper=TVNewsCheck |date=July 19, 2012}}</ref> On August 12, 2012, Nexstar sold KBTV-TV to Deerfield Media, which entered into a JSA and SSA with Sinclair Broadcast Group to become a duopoly with KFDM-TV.<ref name="fcc-saletodeerfield">{{cite web|title=Application For Consent To Assignment Of Broadcast Station Construction Permit Or License|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1511825&Service=DT&Form_id=314&Facility_id=61214|access-date=August 23, 2012|work=CDBS Public Access|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> On April 24, 2013, Nexstar announced that it would acquire the entire group of Communications Corporation of America, KMSS-TV, KPEJ-TV, and most of the ComCorp-managed stations that are owned by White Knight Broadcasting would be sold to Mission Broadcasting while WEVV-TV and White Knight Broadcasting's KSHV-TV would be sold to a female-controlled company called Rocky Creek Communications, with Nexstar assuming operational control of those stations.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--staff--> |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/67066/nexstar-mission-buy-19-stations-for-270m |title=Nexstar, Mission Buy 19 Stations For $270M |date=April 24, 2013 |publisher=TVNewsCheck.com |access-date=April 20, 2015}}</ref>
On September 16, 2013, Nexstar announced that it would acquire WOI-DT, KCAU-TV, and WHBF-TV from Citadel Communications for $88 million. Nexstar immediately took over the stations' operations through a time brokerage agreement.<ref name="b&c-saletonexstar">{{cite news|last=Malone |first=Michael |title=Nexstar to Acquire Citadel's Iowa Stations for $88 Million |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/495521-Nexstar_to_Acquire_Citadel_s_Iowa_Stations_for_88_Million.php |access-date=September 16, 2013 |newspaper=Broadcasting & Cable |date=September 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921205431/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/495521-Nexstar_to_Acquire_Citadel_s_Iowa_Stations_for_88_Million.php |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }}</ref> The deal followed Phil Lombardo's decision to "slow down", as well as a desire by Lynch Entertainment to divest its investments in WOI and WHBF; Citadel would continue to own KLKN, WLNE-TV, and its Sarasota properties.<ref name="dmr-nexstardeal">{{cite news |url=http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/09/16/nexstar-buys-woi-other-citadel-tv-stations-in-iowa/article |title=Nexstar buys WOI, other Citadel TV stations in Iowa |last=Hicks |first=Lynn |date=September 16, 2013 |newspaper=Des Moines Register |access-date=September 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130916223551/http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/09/16/nexstar-buys-woi-other-citadel-tv-stations-in-iowa/article |archive-date=September 16, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 5, 2014, the Federal Communications Commission approved the sale of these stations to Nexstar outright and the deal was completed on March 13. KCAU continued to use Citadel's standardized news sets, graphics and logos.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} On November 6, 2013, Nexstar announced that it would purchase the Grant Broadcasting stations for $87.5 million. Due to Federal Communications Commission ownership regulations, one of the stations, KLJB, was spun off to Marshall Broadcasting Group, but is operated by Nexstar through a shared services agreement.<ref name="b&c-saletonexstar2">{{cite news|last=Malone |first=Michael|title=Nexstar to Acquire Seven Grant Stations For $87.5 Million|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/nexstar-acquire-seven-grant-stations-875-million/124490|access-date=November 6, 2013|newspaper=Broadcasting & Cable|date=November 6, 2013}}</ref> The sale was completed on December 1, 2014.<ref>[http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1663767&Service=DT&Form_id=905&Facility_id=24813 Consummation Notice],''CDBS Public Access'' Federal Communications Commission, Retrieved December 3, 2014.</ref> In 2015, Nexstar sold off the licensee assets of WLYH-TV, the CW affiliate to Howard Stirk Holdings.<ref name="fcc-wlyhhshrevealed">{{cite web|date=January 28, 2015|title=Application For Consent To Assignment Of Broadcast Station Construction Permit Or License (KVMY)|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1668735&Service=DT&Form_id=314&Facility_id=69677|access-date=January 30, 2015|website=CDBS Public Access|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|quote=In Addition, HSH Lancaster (WLYH), LLC and HSH Lancaster (WLYH) Licensee, LLC, Owned by Howard Stirk Holdings II, LLC, will be filing an Assignment of License Application to acquire the license WLYH-TV, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Facility ID No. 23338, from Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.}}</ref>
On March 13, 2014, Nexstar announced that it would purchase Internet Broadcasting, for $20 million. The company had also recently acquired competitor Inergize Digital through its purchase of assets from Newport Television, followed by Enterprise Technology Group, a spun-off joint venture between LIN Media and Fox Television Stations. The providers were merged to form Lakana, led by former ETG CEO Phillip Hyun.<ref name="wn-fox">{{cite web|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/58732/fox-stations-moving-to-worldnow-platforms/|title=Fox Stations Moving to WorldNow Platforms|last=Jessell|first=Harry A.|date=April 16, 2012|website=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheckMedia, LLC.|access-date=April 20, 2012|url-access=registration }}</ref><ref name="tvnc-dpp">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/26389/fox-marketing-new-web-platform-to-all?ref=search|title=Fox Marketing New Web Platform To All|work=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheckMedia, LLC.|access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref><ref name="tvnc-lakana">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/84144/nexstar-rolls-up-its-3-cms-units-into-lakana|title=Nexstar Rolls Up Its 3 CMS Units Into Lakana|last=Jessell|first=Harry A.|date=March 31, 2015|website=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheckMedia, LLC.|access-date=June 20, 2015}}</ref><ref name="tvnc-nexstarib">{{cite news|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/74790/nexstar-buys-internet-broadcasting-systems|title=Nexstar Buys Internet Broadcasting Systems|date=March 13, 2014|work=TVNewsCheck|access-date=March 13, 2014|publisher=NewsCheckMedia, LLC.}}</ref> On October 23, 2014, Nexstar bought out KASW in Phoenix from SagamoreHill Broadcasting and Meredith Corporation, and it was completed on January 30, 2015.<ref>[http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1669137&Service=DT&Form_id=905&Facility_id=7143 Consummation Notice], ''CDBS Public Access'', Federal Communications Commission, Retrieved February 2, 2015.</ref><ref name="tvnc-nexstarkasw">{{cite news|date=October 23, 2014|title=Nexstar Buying KASW Phoenix For $68M|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/80251/nexstar-buying-kasw-phoenix-for-68m?ref=search|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref>
On February 2, 2015, Nexstar finalized its acquisition of Yashi, a location-focused, video-advertising and programmatic-technology company, for $33 million.<ref name="Marketwatch">{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nexstar-broadcasting-acquires-yashi-leading-local-digital-video-advertising-and-programmatic-technology-company-for-33-million-in-accretive-transaction-2015-02-02|title=Nexstar Broadcasting Acquires Yashi, Leading Local Digital Video Advertising and Programmatic Technology Company, for $33 Million in Accretive Transaction|date=February 2, 2015|website=Marketwatch|access-date=February 3, 2015}}</ref> On November 17, 2015, Nexstar announced its intent to purchase West Virginia Media Holdings' stations (WOWK-TV in Charleston, WBOY-TV in Clarksburg, WVNS-TV in Ghent, and WTRF-TV in Wheeling) for $130 million. The company took over the stations' non-license assets under a time brokerage agreement in December 2015 pending the formal completion of the deal, expected in late 2016. The two companies viewed the acquisition as being a complement to Nexstar's WHAG-TV, whose coverage area includes the Eastern Panhandle region. Nexstar CEO Perry A. Sook is an alumnus of WOWK.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/90089/nexstar-buys-4-wva-tvs-for-130m|title=Nexstar Buys 4 W.Va. TVs For $130M|date=November 17, 2015|work=TVNewsCheck|access-date=January 7, 2019|publisher=NewsCheckMedia, LLC.}}</ref> The sale was completed on January 31, 2017.<ref>[http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1749955&Service=DT&Form_id=905&Facility_id=23342 Consummation Notice], ''CDBS Public Access'', Federal Communications Commission, Retrieved February 1, 2017.</ref>
On August 1, 2018, Nexstar bought out KRBK in Springfield from Koplar Communications for $16.45 million, and also bought out WHDF in Huntsville from Lockwood Broadcast Group for $2.25 million.<ref name="ktts-krbksaletonexstar">{{cite news|author=Jason Rima|date=August 2, 2018|title=Nexstar Buys FOX 5 KRBK In Springfield|website=KTTS-FM|publisher=E. W. Scripps Company|url=https://www.ktts.com/news/local-news/nexstar-buys-fox-5-krbk-in-springfield|access-date=August 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Nexstar Broadcasting Enters Into Definitive Agreements to Acquire Two Stations in Accretive Transactions for $19.45 Million|url=https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar_to_acquire_krbk_whdf/|website=Nexstar Media Group|date=August 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Stephen Herzog|date=August 2, 2018|title=Local TV stations connected after purchase|newspaper=Springfield News-Leader|publisher=Gannett Company|url=https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/now/2018/08/02/local-tv-stations-connected-after-purchase/889385002/|access-date=August 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Adam Jacobson|date=August 2, 2018|title=Nexstar's Goes For Three In Ozark's Queen City|url=https://www.rbr.com/nexstars-goes-for-three-in-ozarks-queen-city/|website=Radio-Television Business Report|publisher=Streamline-RBR, Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=August 7, 2018|title=Station Trading Roundup: 1 Deal, $16.5M|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/220230/station-trading-roundup-1-deal-16-5m/|access-date=August 8, 2018|website=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheck Media|archive-date=August 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808040821/https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/220230/station-trading-roundup-1-deal-16-5m/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Stephanie Tsoflias Siegel|date=August 2, 2018|title=Nexstar Announces Acquisition of Two Stations for $19.45 Million|url=https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/nexstar-announces-acquisition-of-two-stations-for-19-45-million/206624|access-date=August 2, 2018|website=TVSpy|publisher=Beringer Capital}}</ref> On November 1, 2018, Nexstar bought out MyNetworkTV affiliate KFVE in Honolulu from American Spirit Media as part of transactions requiring from the Raycom Media/Gray Television merger.<ref name="kfveapa">[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101794978&qnum=5040©num=1&exhcnum=2 Asset Purchase Agreement]</ref> In spring 2019, Nexstar launched ''Border Report'', a website focusing on news stories from the Mexico–United States border.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winter |first=Meaghan |date=July 20, 2020 |title=Nexstar Nation |url=https://www.cjr.org/special_report/nexstar-nation.php/ |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=Columbia Journalism Review |language=en}}</ref>
On November 5, 2019, it was announced that Nexstar would acquire Fox Television Stations-owned WJZY and MyNetworkTV outlet WMYT-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina for $45 million. In turn, it also announced that it would sell its duopoly of Seattle-based KCPQ and KZJO (along with Milwaukee-based WITI) to FTS in a separate deal worth $350 million. Nexstar made the transactions to pay down debt and consolidate operations in the Southeast. The sale closed on March 2, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Mark K. |date=November 5, 2019 |title=Nexstar, Fox Buy/Sell Five Stations |language=en |work=TV News Check |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/240879/nexstar-fox-buy-sell-five-stations/ |access-date=January 14, 2020}}</ref> As part of a settlement between the parties in litigation over the failed deal, Sinclair had to sell WDKY-TV in Lexington, Kentucky, and the non-license assets of KGBT-TV in Harlingen, Texas, to Nexstar Media Group for $60 million on January 27, 2020.<ref name="nxstsbgisettle">{{Cite web |last=Eggerton |first=John |date=January 27, 2020 |title=Sinclair Pays Nexstar $60M, Some Assets, to Settle Tribune Suit |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/sinclair-pays-nexstar-60m-some-assets-to-settle-tribune-suit |access-date=January 28, 2020 |website=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en-us}}</ref> The company's founder, Perry Sook, had once been a principal of Superior Communications, who owned the WDKY property, making the sale to Nexstar a homecoming of sorts. WDKY's transaction was completed on September 17, 2020.<ref>[http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1821151&Service=DT&Form_id=905&Facility_id=64017 "Consummation Notice"], ''CDBS Public Access'', Federal Communications Commission, September 18, 2020, Retrieved September 18, 2020.</ref>
==== 2015–2017: Acquisition of Media General ==== On September 28, 2015, Nexstar announced that it had presented an unsolicited offer to buy Media General for $4.1 billion (including debt). Per share, shareholders of Media General would receive $10.50 in cash and 0.0898 shares of Nexstar, a total equivalent of $14.50 per share. Nexstar's offer was seen by analysts as a maneuver to torpedo the merger of Media General with Meredith Corporation (announced on September 8). If Media General agreed to the counteroffer within a 20-day period, Nexstar would expand its portfolio to 114 television stations, pending spinoffs in markets where both own stations and federal approval.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/88757/nexstar-makes-bid-for-media-general|title=Nexstar Offers $4.1 Billion For Media General|work=tvnewscheck.com|date=March 5, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/media-general-ma-nexstar-broadcst-idUSL3N11Y39K20150928|title=UPDATE 3-Broadcaster Nexstar offers to buy Media General in $4.1 bln deal|last1=Roy|first1=Abhirup|date=September 28, 2015|work=Reuters|access-date=January 7, 2019|last2=Maan|first2=Lehar|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cdn.idstatic.com/cms/live/13/NXST-Press-Release-with-Letter.pdf?1443408204 |title=Nexstar Broadcasting Proposes To Acquire Media General – Nexstar Broadcasting |access-date=September 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929092117/http://cdn.idstatic.com/cms/live/13/NXST-Press-Release-with-Letter.pdf?1443408204 |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/29/business/dealbook/nexstar-offers-to-buy-media-general-for-1-85-billion.html|title=Nexstar Offers to Buy Media General for $1.85 Billion|last=Bray|first=Chad|date=September 28, 2015|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 7, 2019|page=B7|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-NVDVX16KLVRA01-4BVQ0T8TR6EBEN9GDKJOQTEIAI|title=Business: Washington Post Business Page, Business News|work=bloomberg.com|access-date=September 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929190952/http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-NVDVX16KLVRA01-4BVQ0T8TR6EBEN9GDKJOQTEIAI|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 16, Media General rejected the offer but agreed to negotiate after concluding its merge with Meredith.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/11/media-general-rejects-nexstar-1-9b-offer-1201625231/|title=Media General Rejects Nexstar's $1.9B Offer, But Agrees To Talk|last=Lieberman|first=David|date=November 16, 2015|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=January 7, 2019}}</ref>
On January 27, 2016, Media General announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Nexstar in a deal valued at $17.14 per share, valuing the company at $4.6 billion plus the assumption of $2.3 billion debt. The combined company became known as Nexstar Media Group, and owns 171 stations, serving an estimated 39-percent of U.S. households. The company paid Meredith Corporation (whom Media General had previously proposed a merger with) a termination fee of $60 million and gave Meredith right of first refusal to acquire any broadcast or digital properties that may be divested during the purchase. The deal also included contingent value rights for Media General shareholders if it sold spectrum from its stations during the FCC's spectrum incentive auction (a clause that Meredith did not exercise).<ref name=tvnc-mgnexstar>{{cite web|title=Nexstar-Media General: It's A Done Deal|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/91865/nexstarmedia-general-its-a-done-deal|website=TVNewsCheck|access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/business/dealbook/nexstar-clinches-deal-to-acquire-media-general.html|title=Nexstar Clinches Deal to Acquire Media General|last=Picker|first=Leslie|date=January 27, 2016|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 29, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
On May 27, 2016, Nexstar announced the sales of five stations. WCWJ in Jacksonville, Florida, along with WSLS-TV in Roanoke, Virginia, was sold to the Graham Media Group; and KADN-TV, as well as KLAF-LD in Lafayette, Louisiana, was sold to Bayou City Broadcasting, with KREG-TV in Glenwood Springs, Colorado going to Marquee Broadcasting as part of a series of divestitures required following Nexstar's acquisition of Media General due to Federal Communications Commission ownership caps (the sale of the Roanoke and Lafayette stations are required as Media General and Nexstar both own stations in those markets).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Miller |first1=Mark K. |title=Nexstar Selling Five Stations in Four Markets|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/95091/nexstar-selling-five-stations-in-four-markets|website=TVNewsCheck|date=May 27, 2016 |access-date=May 27, 2016}}</ref> On June 3, 2016, it was announced that Nexstar would spin off WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin and KWQC-TV in Davenport, Iowa to Gray Television for $270 million.<ref name="tvnc-graymc">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/95259/gray-buying-two-nexstar-spinoffs-for-270m|title=Gray Buying Two Nexstar Spinoffs For $270M|last=Miller|first=Mark K.|date=June 3, 2016|website=TVNewsCheck|access-date=June 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name=bc-graymediageneral>{{cite news|first=Diana|last=Marszalek|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/gray-buys-nexstar-stations-green-bay-davenport/157035|title=Gray Buys Nexstar Stations in Green Bay, Davenport|work=Broadcasting & Cable, LLC|date=June 3, 2016|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref>
On June 13, 2016, Nexstar announced that it would sell WFFT in Fort Wayne, Indiana; KQTV in St. Joseph, Missouri; KIMT in Rochester, Minnesota; WTHI-TV in Terre Haute; and WLFI in Lafayette, Indiana to Heartland Media, through its USA Television MidAmerica Holdings joint venture with MSouth Equity Partners, for $115 million. The divestitures were in order to allow Nexstar to comply with FCC ownership rules (specifically pertaining to national market coverage for station owners) in advance of the approval proceedings of the merger of both groups (Nexstar already owned NBC affiliate WTWO and operates ABC affiliate WAWV-TV in Terre Haute, and planned to acquire Media General-owned CBS affiliate WANE-TV in Fort Wayne).<ref>{{cite web|title=Prather Buys 5 TVs From Nexstar-Media Gen.|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/95456/prather-buys-5-tvs-from-nexstarmedia-gen|access-date=June 13, 2016|work=TVNewsCheck|date=June 13, 2016}}</ref>
On June 30, 2016, Nexstar announced that it would sell KASA-TV in Santa Fe, to Ramar Communications, owner of Telemundo affiliate KTEL-CD (channel 15), Movies! affiliate KUPT-LD (channel 16), and MeTV affiliate KRTN-LD (channel 33), for $2.5 million.<ref name="fcc-saletoramar">{{cite web|title=Application For Consent To Assignment Of Broadcast Station Construction Permit Or License|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1732463&Service=DT&Form_id=314&Facility_id=32311|website=CDBS Public Access|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=July 11, 2016|archive-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921033953/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1732463&Service=DT&Form_id=314&Facility_id=32311|url-status=live}}</ref> KASA and KRQE were both ranked among the top four stations in the Albuquerque market during the November 2015 sweeps period, which meant that the company had to divest one of the two stations to comply with the FCC duopoly rules.<ref name="fcc-krqekasasplit">{{cite web|title=Comprehensive Exhibit|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101724299&qnum=5050©num=1&exhcnum=3|website=CDBS Public Access|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=July 11, 2016|date=March 2016|archive-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921033402/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101724299&qnum=5050©num=1&exhcnum=3|url-status=live}}</ref> The transaction was approved by the FCC on January 11, 2017, and the sale was completed on January 17.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-broadcasting-group-completes-acquisition-of-media-general-creating-nexstar-media-group-the-nations-second-largest-television-broadcaster/|title=Nexstar Broadcasting Group Completes Acquisition of Media General Creating Nexstar Media Group, The Nation's Second Largest Television Broadcaster|date=January 17, 2017|website=Nexstar Media Group, Inc.|language=en-US|access-date=January 7, 2019}}</ref>
==== 2017–2019: Merger with Tribune Media ==== On April 30, 2017, ''The Wall Street Journal'' reported that there were competing bids for Tribune Media from Nexstar and a partnership between 21st Century Fox and private equity firm Blackstone Group.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/possible-bidding-war-emerges-for-tribune-media-1493609956|title=Possible Bidding War Emerges for Tribune Media|last=Flint|first=Joe|date=May 1, 2017|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=January 29, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/01/business/dealbook/21st-century-fox-bid-tribune-media-deal.html|title=In Fox Bid for Tribune, a Return to Erratic Murdoch Deal Making|last=Saba|first=Jennifer|date=May 1, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 7, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/business/21st-century-fox-and-blackstone-said-to-be-interested-in-buying-tribune-media.html|title=21st Century Fox and Blackstone Said to Be Interested in Buying Tribune Media|last1=de la Merced|first1=Michael J.|date=April 30, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 7, 2019|last2=Steel|first2=Emily|page=B3|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-tribune-media-fox-blackstone-20170501-story.html|title=Reports: Fox News owner joins race to buy Tribune Media|date=May 1, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=May 1, 2017}}</ref> However, on May 8, 2017, it was announced that Tribune reached a deal to be acquired by Sinclair Broadcast Group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/08/sinclair-broadcast-to-buy-tribune-media-for-43-50-per-share.html|title=Sinclair Broadcast to buy Tribune Media in $3.9 billion deal|last=Thomas|first=Lauren|date=May 8, 2017|website=CNBC|access-date=May 26, 2017}}</ref> On May 26, 2017, it was reported by DealReporter that Nexstar might be considering a bid to acquire Tegna Inc., although such a deal would likely require significant divestments due to ownership conflicts and exceeding the ownership cap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://seekingalpha.com/news/3270194-report-nexstar-may-eye-bid-tegna-stations-buyout|title=Report: Nexstar may eye bid for Tegna in stations buyout|last=Aycock|first=Jason|date=May 26, 2017|website=Seeking Alpha|access-date=May 26, 2017}}</ref>
On November 14, 2018, after Tribune cancelled its proposed sale to Sinclair, it was reported that Nexstar was a leading bidder to acquire Tribune.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvweek.com/tvbizwire/2018/11/bidding-war-for-tribune-media-taking-shape/|title=Bidding War for Tribune Media Taking Shape|date=November 14, 2018|work=TV Week|access-date=November 15, 2018}}</ref> On December 3, 2018, Nexstar announced its intent to merge with Tribune Media for $6.4 billion ($4.1 billion for all of Tribune's shares in cash and $2.3 billion of Tribune's debt).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nexstar-reaches-deal-to-buy-tribune-media-for-4-1-billion-1543788985|title=Nexstar Reaches Deal to Buy Tribune Media for $4.1 Billion|last1=Mullin|first1=Benjamin|date=December 2, 2018|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=January 29, 2019|last2=Flint|first2=Joe|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660}}</ref> The merger would give the company 216 stations in 118 markets, placing it just below the FCC's market cap of 39-percent of TV households and making it the largest owner of television stations in the United States. Nexstar planned to divest some stations and "non-core" assets as part of the merger.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/nexstar-announces-deal-to-buy-tribune-for-6-4b|title=Nexstar Announces Deal To Buy Tribune for $6.4B|last=Lafayette|first=John|date=December 3, 2018|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=December 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/03/nexstar-to-buy-tribune-media-becoming-the-largest-us-tv-station-operator.html|title=Nexstar to buy Tribune Media, becoming the largest US TV station operator|date=December 3, 2018|work=CNBC|access-date=December 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/12/nexstar-tribune-media-acquisition-1202512653/|title=Nexstar Confirms $4.1B Tribune Media Acquisition To Become Leading Local TV Station Owner|last1=White|first1=Peter|last2=Hayes|first2=Dade|date=December 3, 2018|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=December 3, 2018}}</ref>
On March 20, 2019, Nexstar announced that it would divest 19 stations to the E. W. Scripps Company and Tegna Inc. for a total sum of $1.32 billion, with Scripps receiving eight stations (WPIX, WSFL-TV, WTKR and WGNT, WTVR-TV, WXMI, KSTU, and KASW), and Tegna eleven (WATN-TV and WLMT, WTIC-TV and WCCT-TV, WOI-DT and KCWI, WNEP, WPMT, WQAD-TV, WZDX, and KFSM-TV). Of those stations, only WPIX was not associated with a duopoly, but rather its market size (an outright acquisition under current FCC rules would cause Nexstar to exceed the 39 percent cap). The transaction involving WPIX included a $75 million option condition allowing Nexstar to buy WPIX back between March 31, 2020, and the end of 2021. In the summer of 2020, the option was transferred to Mission Broadcasting (whose station acquisitions are largely funded by Nexstar) and exercised shortly thereafter. Nexstar stated that these divestitures would be used to help fund the sale and cover debt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/scripps-tegna-to-buy-19-nexstar-stations|title=Scripps, Tegna to Buy 19 Nexstar Stations|last=Farrell|first=Mike|website=Multichannel|date=March 20, 2019 |language=en-us|access-date=March 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/nexstar-sells-off-tv-stations-worth-1-3b-including-new-yorks-wpix-1202579017/|title=Nexstar Sells Off TV Stations Worth $1.3B, Including New York's WPIX|last1=Hayes|first1=Dade|date=March 20, 2019|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=March 21, 2019}}</ref> On April 8, 2019, Nexstar announced that it would sell 2 additional stations (WISH-TV and WNDY) to Circle City Broadcasting for $42.5 million.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ryckaert, Vic|date=April 8, 2019|title=Indianapolis native buys WISH-TV and WNDY-TV for $42.5 million|work=The Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2019/04/08/indianapolis-native-dujuan-mccoy-buying-wish-tv-and-wndy-tv/3398595002/|access-date=April 15, 2019}}</ref>
On April 3, 2019, Marshall Broadcasting Group sued Nexstar for breach of contract, alleging that the company was trying to "undermine" its operations so it could buy back the stations at a later date and lower cost in the present regulatory environment. The company also accused Nexstar of using the divestiture of stations to a minority-owned broadcaster as a token to gain FCC approval for the associated acquisitions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2019/04/03/marshall-broadcasting-group-claims-in-lawsuit-that.html|title=Marshall Broadcasting Group claims Nexstar 'undermined' prospects in new suit|website=Dallas Business Journal|access-date=April 4, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/nexstar-sued-black-owned-tv-company-1203179793/|title=Nexstar Accused of Sabotaging Black-Owned TV Station Group |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |date=April 3, 2019 |website=Variety|language=en|access-date=April 4, 2019}}</ref> A carriage dispute with AT&T resulted in the removal of more than 120 Nexstar stations across 97 markets from AT&T's DirecTV, DirecTV Now and U-verse platforms, which began at 11:59 p.m. on July 3, 2019, and ended on August 29, 2019.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/07/04/at-t-directv-and-nextar-dispute-channels-blacked-out-independence-day/1648807001/ | title = Nexstar stations blacked out on AT&T DirecTV and U-verse amid contract dispute | newspaper = USA Today | last = Tyko | first = Kelly | date = July 4, 2019 | access-date = July 12, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |title=AT&T And Nexstar Settle Carriage Dispute That Blacked Out Stations In 97 Markets |url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/att-nexstar-settle-carriage-dispute-that-blacked-out-stations-in-97-markets-1202707707/ |website=Deadline |access-date=August 29, 2019 |language=en |date=August 29, 2019}}</ref> On August 1, 2019, the United States Department of Justice approved the deal between Nexstar Media Group and Tribune Media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.robertfeder.com/2019/08/01/justice-department-approves-nexstar-deal-tribune-media/|title=Justice Department approves Nexstar deal for Tribune Media|last=Feder|first=Robert|work=RobertFeder.com|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-tribune-media-nexstar-doj-approval-20190801-o3mdccn635dlrgqdj47lua2f6a-story.html|title=Tribune Media - Nexstar merger one step closer after DOJ approval|last=Channick|first=Robert|work=Chicago Tribune|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 2, 2019}}</ref> The merger was approved by the FCC on September 16, and would be consummated three days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-tribune-nexstar-sale-approved-fcc-wgn-20190916-hlbtp65ye5htxg3hnuunmo5nqu-story.html|title=Tribune Media sale to Nexstar approved by FCC; WGN-Ch. 9 no longer Chicago's very own|last=Channick|first=Robert|work=Chicago Tribune|date=September 16, 2019|access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref>
=== 2020–2024: Launch of ''NewsNation'' and acquisition of The CW === {{See also|NewsNation Prime}} On January 15, 2020, Nexstar announced a national newscast called ''NewsNation'' on WGN America.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=January 15, 2020|title=Nexstar to Launch National Primetime Newscast on WGN America|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/wgn-america-news-nation-primetime-1203467801/|access-date=December 30, 2020|work=Variety}}</ref> The program launched September 1, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Johnson|first=Ted|date=September 1, 2020|title=WGN America Launches Primetime Newscast With A Promise: Just The Facts|url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/news-nation-launch-wgn-america-nexstar-1203028135/|access-date=December 30, 2020|work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> On March 1, 2021, the WGN America channel was renamed NewsNation. On October 22, 2020, Nexstar underwent a corporate reorganization, under which its primary subsidiaries of Nexstar Broadcasting and Nexstar Digital were merged into the operating subsidiary '''Nexstar, Inc.'''<ref>{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Mark|date=October 22, 2020|title=Nexstar Makes Operational Realignment|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/254986/nexstar-makes-operational-realignment/|access-date=December 24, 2020|work=TV News Check}}</ref> A carriage dispute with Dish Network began on December 2, 2020, and ended by Christmas Eve, which resulted in the removal of at least 164 Nexstar stations in 115 markets, covering about 63-percent of TV homes, from its services.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/12/02/failed-dish-nexstar-negotiation-115-markets-fewer-channels/3803614001/ | title = Dish Network customers lose Nexstar's local TV stations in 115 markets over failed negotiations | last = Rivera | first = Josh | date = December 2, 2020 | newspaper = USA Today | access-date = December 11, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/dish-and-nexstar-announce-multi-year-carriage-deal-restores-local-nexstar-stations-on-dish | title = DISH And Nexstar Announce Multi-year Carriage Deal, Restores Local Nexstar Stations On DISH | date = December 25, 2020 | newspaper = NASDAQ | access-date = December 25, 2020 }}</ref> On December 16, 2020, Nexstar announced it was purchasing BestReviews from Tribune Publishing for $160 million.<ref name="dallasnews.com">{{Cite web|date=December 17, 2020|title=Irving-based Nexstar to buy product review site BestReviews from Tribune Publishing for $160 million|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/local-companies/2020/12/17/irving-based-nexstar-to-buy-product-review-site-bestreviews-from-tribune-publishing-for-160-million/|access-date=December 30, 2020|website=Dallas News|language=en}}</ref>
On May 20, 2021, The CW and Nexstar announced that they have reached multi-year agreements to renew network affiliation for the CW in 37 markets in across the country (including KTLA in Los Angeles and WDCW in Washington, D.C.).<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 20, 2021|title=The CW Renews Agreement With Top Affiliate Nexstar Media Group|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-cw-affiliate-agreement-nexstar-media-group-renewed-1234760798/|access-date=May 20, 2021|work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> On August 20, 2021, Nexstar acquired political news website ''The Hill'' for $130 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |title=Nexstar Media Buys Political News Hub, The Hill, For $130 Million|url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/nexstar-media-political-news-the-hill-1234818982/ |work=Deadline Hollywood|date=August 20, 2021}}</ref> On August 25, 2021, Nexstar Media Group announced a partnership with SportsGrid Inc. to offer the latter's sports betting- and fantasy sports-focused FAST streaming channel SportsGrid as a digital multicast network starting September 1, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nexstar Launching Sports Wagering Diginet|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/top-news/programming/article/nexstar-launching-digital-broadcast-network-devoted-to-sports-wagering/|website=TVNewsCheck|date=August 25, 2021}}</ref> A new digital subchannel network, Rewind TV, was launched on September 1, 2021, featuring classic TV shows from the 1980s and 1990s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-to-launch-rewind-tv-digital-channel-airing-classics|title=Nexstar to Launch Rewind TV, Digital Channel Airing Classics|last=Lafayette|first=Jon|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=April 26, 2021|access-date=July 10, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-media-inc-to-launch-rewind-tv-on-september-1/|title=Nexstar Media Inc. to Launch "Rewind TV" on September 1|work=Nexstar.TV|date=April 26, 2021|access-date=July 10, 2021}}</ref>
''The Wall Street Journal'' reported on January 5, 2022, that Nexstar was a potential leading buyer of The CW, as the network's then-co-owners ViacomCBS and WarnerMedia explored options in selling a majority stake in the joint venture network; the three companies had yet to comment on the WSJ report.<ref>{{cite news |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=January 5, 2022 |title=WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS Are Exploring Possible Sale of CW Network |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/warnermedia-and-viacomcbs-are-exploring-possible-sale-of-cw-network-11641436892 |access-date=January 7, 2022}}</ref> In late August, as confirmation to another WSJ report made last June,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=June 29, 2022 |title=WSJ News Exclusive {{!}} Nexstar Nears Deal to Acquire Majority Control of CW Network |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nexstar-nears-deal-to-acquire-majority-control-of-cw-network-11656537393 |access-date=July 8, 2022 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2022 |title=(Comicbook.com) The CW: Nexstar Reportedly Closing Deal For Majority Control of Network |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/comicbook-com-the-cw-nexstar-reportedly-closing-deal-for-majority-control-of-network/ |access-date=July 8, 2022 |website=Nexstar Media Group, Inc. |language=en-US}}</ref> Nexstar announced that it has "entered a definitive agreement" to acquire 75% ownership in the network, while Paramount and WBD would each retain 12.5% ownership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=August 15, 2022 |title=The CW Poised To Get New Corporate Home As Nexstar Confirms Plan For 75% Ownership Stake; Mark Pedowitz To Remain CEO |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-cw-nexstar-new-owner-closes-deal-broadcast-tv-1235092108/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Based on media industry reports, Nexstar would reportedly assume "a significant portion" of the network's current losses. The deal did not require regulatory approval, but had to perform financial closure conditions at the company's fiscal third quarter, i.e. by the start of October 2022, in order to complete the transaction; thus, Nexstar took over operations of the network on August 15.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=2022-08-15 |title=Nexstar Management Of CW Is Immediate |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-management-of-cw-is-immediate/ |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=TVNewsCheck |language=en-US}}</ref> The transaction was completed on October 3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=2022-10-03 |title=New Day Dawns For Broadcast TV As Nexstar Closes Deal For Control Of The CW |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/nexstar-closes-deal-for-control-of-the-cw-mark-pedowitz-exits-top-job-1235133428/ |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
Following Nexstar's purchase of The CW, Paramount's CBS News and Stations division was given the right to have its eight CW stations (WPSG in Philadelphia, WUPA in Atlanta, KBCW in San Francisco, KSTW in Seattle, WTOG in Tampa Bay, WKBD in Detroit, KMAX in Sacramento, and WPCW in Pittsburgh) disaffiliate from the network; such right was announced on May 5, 2023, when the aforementioned stations would become independent on September 1. Nexstar responded to the move by stating that it would find replacement CW affiliates, noting that "Paramount's decision affects a limited portion of The CW's nationwide reach."<ref>{{cite web |date=May 5, 2023 |title=Eight CBS Stations to Ditch CW and Go Independent This Fall |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/cbs-stations-eight-drop-cw-go-independent-this-fall-1235357388/}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=2023-06-14 |title=3 Nexstar Stations To Add The CW Affiliations on Sept. 1 |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/three-nexstar-stations-adding-cw-affiliations-on-september-1 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en}}</ref> The company announced on May 8 that it would buy KUSI-TV from McKinnon Broadcasting for $35 million, pending approval from the FCC; the purchase, which was closed on September 2, created a duopoly with Nexstar's Fox affiliate KSWB-TV, and is set to replace KFMB-DT2 as San Diego's CW station.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=2023-05-08 |title=Nexstar Buying Independent KUSI San Diego For $35 Million |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-buying-independent-kusi-san-diego/ |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=TV News Check |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keys |first=Matthew |date=2023-09-02 |title=Nexstar finalizes purchase of KUSI-TV in San Diego |url=https://thedesk.net/2023/09/nexstar-completes-purchase-kusi-san-diego/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=The Desk |language=en-us}}</ref>
Between June 14 to August 31, Nexstar announced that it would convert MyNetworkTV affiliates in the displaced Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Tampa Bay markets (WPHL-TV, KRON-TV, and WTTA, respectively) into CW stations,<ref name=":1" /> and signed several CW affiliation renewals (such as that with Gray, whose Atlanta-based WPCH-TV would replace WUPA as that city's CW affiliate) to cover the remaining displaced markets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lafayettepublished |first=Jon |date=2023-08-01 |title=Hearst's KQCA To Become The CW Affiliate in Sacramento |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/hearsts-kqca-tv-to-become-the-cw-affiliate-in-sacramento |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Broadcasting Cable |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bishop |first=Chad |title=CW Network announces new Atlanta affiliate |language=English |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-tech/cw-network-announces-new-atlanta-affiliate/IOFROS3Y4JFYDIXFDJYNRUUTNU/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |issn=1539-7459}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=2023-08-31 |title=The CW To Launch On New Affiliate Stations In Seattle And Pittsburgh As Part Of Broader Deal With Sinclair Timed To Start Of College Football |url=https://deadline.com/2023/08/the-cw-to-launch-on-new-affiliate-stations-seattle-pittsburgh-sinclair-deal-acc-college-football-1235532624/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> WKBD ultimately regained the CW affiliation due to multiple issues with finding a long-term affiliate in Detroit,<ref name="cwreturn">{{Cite web |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=July 30, 2024 |title=Paramount Stations in Detroit, Miami To Return as CW Affiliates |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/paramount-stations-in-detroit-miami-to-return-as-cw-affiliates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730141002/https://www.nexttv.com/news/paramount-stations-in-detroit-miami-to-return-as-cw-affiliates |archive-date=July 30, 2024 |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en}}</ref> while a deal with Sinclair to acquire the CW affiliation in Pittsburgh and Seattle led to a reshuffling in the latter market, where the network moved from Paramount's KSTW to Sinclair's KUNS-TV (where it replaced Univision).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shapiro |first1=Nina |date=January 9, 2024 |title=WA anchor launches his own Spanish newscast to fill a new void |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/wa-anchor-launches-independent-spanish-newscast-seeking-to-fill-void/ |access-date=April 20, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Denkmann |first1=Libby |last2=Gasca |first2=Noel |date=January 11, 2024 |title=With Univision Seattle gone, this former anchor is filling the Spanish-language news gap |url=https://www.kuow.org/stories/former-anchor-filling-spanish-language-news-gap |access-date=April 20, 2024 |publisher=KUOW |language=en}}</ref>
Nexstar implemented a blackout on its stations from DirecTV, U-verse and DirecTV Stream on July 2, 2023,<ref>{{cite web|last=Tinoco|first=Armando|title=Nexstar Media Group Stations Go Dark On DirecTV As Carriage Dispute Begins|url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/nexstar-media-group-stations-go-dark-directv-carriage-dispute-1235429044/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 2, 2023}}</ref> causing DirecTV to complain to the FCC. Nexstar responded to DirecTV's complaint by stating that DirecTV was streaming Nexstar stations after the contract expired in November 2022. Nexstar and DirecTV renewed their contract on September 17, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Meg |date=2023-09-17 |title=Nexstar TV stations blackout on DirecTV ends after 76 days |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-09-17/directv-nexstar-tv-stations-blackout-ends |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> On May 19, 2023, Ray Cole, COO of Citadel Communications, announced that WSNN-LD in Sarasota, Florida, the lone remaining station under Citadel ownership, would be sold to Nexstar for $1 million.<ref name="wsnntonxst">{{cite web|title=WFLA-TV & WTTA-TV to expand leading local news presence in 3-county region with Nexstar's acquisition of WSNN-LD in Sarasota|url=https://www.wfla.com/8-on-your-side/wfla-tv-wtta-tv-to-expand-leading-local-news-presence-in-3-county-region-with-nexstars-acquisition-of-wsnn-ld-in-sarasota/|access-date=May 22, 2023|website=WFLA.com|date=May 22, 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Station Trading Roundup: 1 Deal, $1,000,000|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/station-trading-roundup-1-deal-1000000-3/|website=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheck Media|date=May 31, 2023|access-date=July 26, 2023}}</ref> The sale was completed on July 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/consummationDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076f91896b18a201896f366b0503ba&id=25076f91896b18a201896f366b0503ba|title=Notification of Consummation|work=Licensing and Management System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=July 20, 2023|access-date=July 26, 2023}}</ref> On October 28, 2024, Nexstar Media Group announced plans to acquire WBNX-TV. Upon approval, the deal would create a duopoly with its existing Cleveland property WJW, and lead to the return of CW network programming on September 1, 2025, replacing WUAB whose owner Gray Media concurrently announced a relaunch of that station into a sports-focused independent.<ref name="wbnxsold">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=2024-10-28 |title=Nexstar Media Group Buys WBNX Cleveland |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-media-group-buys-wnnx-cleveland/ |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=TV News Check |language=en-US}}</ref> The sale was completed on February 1, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/consummationDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff394cc109f0194cc82921500cb&id=25076ff394cc109f0194cc82921500cb&goBack=N|title=Notification of Consummation|work=Licensing and Management System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=February 3, 2025|access-date=February 3, 2025}}</ref>
In December 2024, Nexstar acquired additional ownership of The CW, increasing its ownership stake from 75% to 77.1%.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=10-K |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1142417/000095017025028949/nxst-20241231.htm?utm_source |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=www.sec.gov}}</ref>
=== Acquisition of Tegna and ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' pre-emption (2025–present) === On July 23, 2025, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a longstanding Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule prohibiting ownership of two of the four highest-rated stations in a single media market, which in most areas applied to stations owned or affiliated with the Big Four television networks, likely requiring the FCC to formally repeal the rule as part of the quadrennial ownership rulemaking process. This ruling spurred the Nexstar–Tegna deal as well as several other transactions undertaken by rival broadcaster Gray Media (including purchases of stations owned by Allen Media Group and Block Communications), despite many of these transactions requiring formal changes to broadcast ownership regulations.<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Appeals Court Vacates FCC's Top-Four Station Ownership Rule|url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/eighth-circuit-vacates-fccs-top-four-station-ownership-rule|last=Winslow|first=George|website=TVTechnology|date=July 23, 2025|access-date=September 21, 2025}} For the FCC rule, see {{cite web|title=Implementation of Section 629 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 (National Broadcast Television Ownership)|url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-06-117A1.pdf|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=March 1, 2007|access-date=September 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908105049/https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-06-117A1.pdf|archive-date=September 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
On August 19, Nexstar announced its intent to acquire Tegna for $6.2 billion;<ref>{{cite news|title=Nexstar Media Group buying Tegna in deal worth $6.2 billion|url=https://apnews.com/article/nexstar-tegna-newsnation-cw-trump-c1743d55103a809ea31c5c7c7c4c0c87|last1=Granthan-Philips|first1=Wyatte|last2=Chapman|first2=Michelle|agency=Associated Press|date=August 21, 2025|access-date=September 30, 2025}}</ref> the acquisition would give it 265 stations in total, serving 80% of U.S. television households. In an interview with CNBC, Sook stated that the purchase was a move to "[play] offense and defense to maintain a vital industry for America and a vital resource for information", and place Nexstar "on a level playing field with Big Tech" in a "fragmented and rapidly evolving marketplace". Sook stated that in the 35 markets where this would create duopolies, Nexstar planned to keep station operations "autonomous". The agreement came ahead of a possible loosening of FCC ownership limits by the second Trump administration.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=August 19, 2025 |title=Nexstar To Acquire Tegna For $6.2B In Local TV Megadeal Fueled By Donald Trump Deregulation |url=https://deadline.com/2025/08/nexstar-acquires-tegna-local-tv-merger-donald-trump-1236491712/ |access-date=August 19, 2025 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>
On September 17, Nexstar announced that it would pull ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' from its ABC stations, following remarks by host Jimmy Kimmel during the September 15 episode that accused the second Trump administration of characterizing the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk as "anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it".<ref name="pressure">{{cite news |last1=Koblin |first1=John |last2=Grynbaum |first2=Michael M. |last3=Barnes |first3=Brooks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/17/business/media/abc-jimmy-kimmel.html |title=ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Off Air for Charlie Kirk Comments After F.C.C. Pressure |work=The New York Times |date=September 17, 2025 |access-date=September 18, 2025}}</ref> Nexstar said the remark was "offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located".<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |last2=Johnson |first2=Ted |date=September 17, 2025 |title=Nexstar And Sinclair, Two Largest Station Groups, Wield Influence In ABC Decision To Pull Jimmy Kimmel In Light Of His Charlie Kirk Comments — Update |url=https://deadline.com/2025/09/nexstar-jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-1236547382/ |access-date=September 17, 2025 |work=Deadline}}</ref> After Sinclair also pulled the program, ABC ultimately suspended ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' indefinitely.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Littleton |first1=Cynthia |last2=Steinberg |first2=Brian |date=September 19, 2025 |title=Jimmy Kimmel and Disney Working to Reach Compromise to Bring His Show Back |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-abc-disney-late-night-comeback-1236524695/ |access-date=September 22, 2025 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hailu |first=Selome |date=September 18, 2025 |title='Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Replaced With Charlie Kirk Tribute on Sinclair's ABC Stations; Company Demands Kimmel Apologize and Donate to Kirk's Family and Turning Point USA |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-live-replaced-charlie-kirk-tribute-sinclair-apology-1236522789/ |access-date=September 18, 2025 |website=Variety}}</ref>
While Nexstar stated that its decision to pull ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' was made unilaterally and was not influenced by any correspondence with the FCC or other agencies, it was observed that Nexstar was in the early stages of seeking FCC approval for its $6.2-billion acquisition of rival media company Tegna (announced on August 19), while Nexstar and Sinclair were among the station owners that had been lobbying the FCC to revise its broadcast ownership rules, including the proposed elimination of a rule passed in 2004—which would require Congressional approval to modify or repeal—that limits broadcasting companies from owning or controlling local television stations cumulatively reaching more than 39% of U.S. households.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=September 18, 2025 |title=Nexstar Says It Made Decision To Preempt Jimmy Kimmel 'Unilaterally' And With No Communication With FCC Or Government Agencies |url=https://deadline.com/2025/09/nexstar-jimmy-kimmel-trump-fcc-1236548804/ |access-date=September 19, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lombardo |first=Clare |date=September 19, 2025 |title='We are all Jimmy Kimmel': What late night hosts are saying about Kimmel's suspension |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5546839/jimmy-kimmel-trump-jimmy-fallon-seth-meyers-colbert |access-date=September 19, 2025 |work=NPR }}</ref> When ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' returned on September 22, both Nexstar and Sinclair continued to preempt it across their stations until September 26, when both companies announced that they would lift the blackout.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rizzo |first=Lillian |date=September 26, 2025 |title=Sinclair, Nexstar will bring 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' back to owned ABC stations on Friday |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/sinclair-abc-jimmy-kimmel.html |access-date=September 26, 2025 |publisher=CNBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Hibberd |first1=James |last2=Weperin |first2=Alex |date=September 23, 2025 |title=Jimmy Kimmel to Return to ABC on Tuesday After Show's Controversial Suspension |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-live-return-abc-1236374942/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250922212342/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-live-return-abc-1236374942/ |archive-date=September 22, 2025 |access-date=September 23, 2025 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
On November 18, 2025, Tegna's shareholders approved the company's merger with Nexstar Media Group. The transaction was expected to close by between July 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Upon closing, Tegna became a subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, unlike past companies acquired by Nexstar, which were fully amalgamated into the company.<ref name="Winslow">{{Cite web |last=Winslow |first=George |date=2025-11-18 |title=Tegna Shareholders Approve Nexstar Merger |url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/tegna-shareholders-approve-nexstar-merger |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=TV Tech |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=November 18, 2025 |title=Tegna Shareholders Approve Merger With Nexstar |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/tegna-shareholders-approve-merger-with-nexstar/ar-AA1QFLLn?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds |access-date=November 18, 2025 |website=MSN}}</ref>
On November 24, 2025, Trump made a statement on Truth Social in opposition of removing the ownership cap, arguing that it would enable the growth of "radical left", "fake news networks" such as ABC and NBC (whom he referred to as being a "virtual arm of the Democrat Party{{Sic}}"). In response, Nexstar stated that the major networks "already reach into every pocket, purse, and backpack in America," and modernizing the ownership rules would "ensure that local communities benefit from an array of fact-based local journalism—the anti-fake news—for years to come."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=November 24, 2025 |title=Nexstar Weighs In After Donald Trump Criticizes One Of Its Key Deregulatory Goals: Eliminating The Media Ownership Cap |url=https://deadline.com/2025/11/trump-fcc-ownership-cap-nexstar-1236626906/ |access-date=November 24, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>
On February 7, 2026, in a reversal, Trump made a statement in support of the Nexstar/Tegna acquisition. He argued that it would enable more competition at a "higher and more sophisticated level" against "fake news national TV networks". The position was supported by FCC chairman Brendan Carr, who argued that media companies such as Comcast and Disney had "amassed too much power" and were "pushing this Hollywood & New York programming all over the country with no real check." Conservative media company Newsmax subsequently made a statement in opposition to the purchase, arguing that it would reduce competition and impact independent media outlets.<ref name="Winslow"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=2026-02-07 |title=Donald Trump Endorses Nexstar-Tegna Merger, And FCC Chair Responds: “Let's Get It Done” |url=https://deadline.com/2026/02/trump-endorses-nexstar-tegna-merger-1236712070/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Neelakandan |first=Laya |date=2026-02-07 |title=In reversal, Trump backs Nexstar's proposed acquisition of Tegna |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/07/trump-nexstar-tegna.html |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>
On March 18, 2026, the state of California alongside seven other states filed an antitrust lawsuit to block the merger, with the Attorney General Rob Bonta arguing that it would cause "irreparable harm to local news and consumers who rely on their reporting as a critical source of information."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=2026-03-19 |title=California And Other States Sue To Block Nexstar-Tegna Merger |url=https://deadline.com/2026/03/nexstar-tegna-merger-states-lawsuit-1236760175/ |access-date=2026-03-20 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> The next day, DirecTV also filed an antitrust suit within the same district court as the former.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=2026-03-19 |title=DirecTV Sues To Block Nexstar-Tegna Merger |url=https://deadline.com/2026/03/directv-nexstar-tegna-lawsuit-1236760481/ |access-date=2026-03-20 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Later that day, the sale was approved by the Justice Department and the FCC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alex |date=2026-03-19 |title=Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Closes Acquisition of TEGNA Inc. |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-media-group-inc-closes-acquisition-of-tegna-inc/ |access-date=2026-03-20 |website=Nexstar Media Group, Inc. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-19 |title=FCC green-lights Nexstar's $6.2B merger with rival TV station owner Tegna |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/media/fcc-greenlights-nexstars-62b-merger-rival-tv-station-owner-tegna-rcna237953 |access-date=2026-03-20 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> A temporary restraining order by the eight states was filed the day after.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=2026-03-20 |title=California And Other States Seek Order To Stop Nexstar-Tegna Merger |url=https://deadline.com/2026/03/nexstar-tegna-merger-state-attorney-generals-1236761817/ |access-date=2026-03-21 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Assets== {{Main|List of assets owned by Nexstar Media Group}}
==Political views== Nexstar has been described as politically conservative and has a history of right-wing political contributions.<ref name="Vilas-Boas">{{Cite news|last=Vilas-Boas|first=Eric|date=September 18, 2025|title=What Is Nexstar, and Why Did It Spike Jimmy Kimmel?|work=Vulture|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/what-is-nexstar-jimmy-kimmel-live-canceled.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 21, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Stieb|first=Matt|date=September 18, 2025|title=Nexstar Led the Charge Against Jimmy Kimmel. They Had a Business Motive.|work=New York Intelligencer|url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/the-business-motive-behind-nexstar-silencing-jimmy-kimmel.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 21, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Hayes">{{Cite news|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=September 20, 2025|title=Jimmy Kimmel Impasse Follows Years Of Growing Tensions Between Local TV Stations And Broadcast Networks|work=Deadline|url=https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-network-tv-station-owners-tensions-1236549261/|access-date=September 21, 2025|quote=As with most major station groups, their management teams are predominantly Trump backers, though Sinclair as a company has leaned more to the right than has Nexstar, most visibly during Trump’s first term.}}</ref> Its programming has been described as less actively conservative than that of Sinclair Broadcast Group, with its stations not utilizing "synchronized", partisan pieces.<ref name="Vilas-Boas"/><ref name="Hayes"/><ref name="Winter" /> In 2021, Nexstar saw staff departures at NewsNation over allegations of conservative bias.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=March 9, 2021|title=Nexstar's NewsNation Faces Turmoil, Staff Departures Amid Conservative Bias Concerns|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/newsnation-jennifer-lyon-nexstar-bias-1234926851/|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 21, 2025}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|Nexstar Media Group}} * {{Official website|https://www.nexstar.tv}} {{Finance links | name = Nexstar Media Group, Inc. | symbol = NXST | reuters = NXST.O | sec_cik = 1142417 | yahoo = NXST | google = NXST:NASDAQ }}
{{NXST TV|state=collapsed}} {{S&P 400 companies}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Nexstar Media Group Category:American companies established in 1996 Category:1996 establishments in Texas Category:Mass media companies established in 1996 Category:Companies based in Irving, Texas Category:Companies in the S&P 400 Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq Category:Television broadcasting companies of the United States Category:2003 initial public offerings