Trump's Surprising U-Turn: Nexstar-Tegna Deal Gets the Green Light

• Trump reverses his stance, now backing Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna, citing increased competition against "Fake News".
• The deal, if approved, would see Nexstar's station reach expand significantly, covering approximately 80% of the country.
• Nexstar CEO Perry Sook emphasizes the importance of broadcast news and aims to compete with Big Tech on a level playing field.
• FCC regulations currently limit broadcast ownership to 39% of U.S. households, potentially hindering the deal unless deregulation occurs.

From Foe to Friend: The Trump Twist

Alright, folks, let's cut the crap. Politics – it's a dirty game, even dirtier than some of the deals I've seen on Wall Street. So, Trump's flipping the script on the Nexstar-Tegna deal? Color me surprised… said no one ever. The guy's got more angles than a goddamn Rubik's Cube. He claims it's about "competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks." Classic Trump – always framing it as a battle.

The Empire Expands: Nexstar's Play for Domination

Nexstar wants Tegna. Big deal. Everyone wants something. They're trying to gobble up 64 stations. That’s a lot of airwaves, folks. The agreement, announced in August 2025, was expected to close in the second half of 2026. It's like trying to corner the market on attention. "What's the point of being rich if you can't scare people?". But here's the kicker: this deal needs the FCC to play ball, and those clowns move slower than molasses in January. Speaking of big moves and market dominance, have you read about Japanese Stocks Soar to Record Highs After Landmark Election? Different industry, similar hunger.

The FCC Hurdle: Deregulation or Bust

Ah, the FCC, where dreams go to die… or get bogged down in bureaucratic BS. They've got this archaic rule about owning stations that reach no more than 39% of U.S. households. Why? To foster "competition." That's a good one. Newsflash: the only competition these days is against cat videos and TikTok dances. Nexstar is whining about deregulation. Boo-hoo. Everyone wants a free ride. Still, Sook is right, Big Tech is pervasive in all aspects of media, the goal is to become a bigger company and hopefully be able to compete on a level playing field. "Money equals power."

Sook's Vision: A Bastion of Local News?

Nexstar CEO Perry Sook is spinning this as some noble quest to save local news. Give me a break. It's about money, power, and influence – the same things that get me out of bed in the morning. "I like looking at the numbers, but not *being* one of them.". He's trying to paint broadcast TV as the last stand against the digital hordes. Maybe he's right, maybe he's full of it. Either way, it's a hell of a sales pitch.

The Kimmel Controversy: A Line in the Sand?

Remember when Nexstar pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after some jab about Charlie Kirk? That's a power move. Shows everyone who's boss. It's about controlling the narrative. "What is money? It's that thing you trade for what you really want.". And Nexstar clearly wants to be in control of what you see, what you hear, and what you believe.

The Bottom Line: What Does It All Mean?

So, what's the takeaway? Trump's endorsement is a game-changer, but the FCC still holds the cards. Nexstar's got a vision, but it's going to cost them. And the media landscape is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Or maybe it'll just be the same old crap, different day. "I'm not a tourist, I'm a native.". Either way, I'll be watching… and probably profiting.