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The Nexstar-Tegna media merger lawsuit is rapidly becoming more than a legal dispute—it’s unfolding like a high-stakes chess match where every move ripples across politics, media power, and public trust.

At the center stands a blockbuster deal: Nexstar’s acquisition of Tegna, forming a broadcasting titan spanning nearly 260 stations nationwide. But as the ink dries on regulatory approvals, a storm of opposition is intensifying in courtrooms and political arenas alike.

FCC Approval Sparks Controversy

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Justice Department cleared the merger last week, allowing Nexstar to swiftly finalize its acquisition of Tegna.

However, the approval came with a controversial twist. The FCC’s Media Bureau granted Nexstar a waiver from the national ownership cap, which normally restricts companies from reaching more than 50% of U.S. households. The merged entity, however, stretches that reach to a staggering 80%.

That decision has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who did not hold back.

Newsom vs. Carr: A War of Words

Newsom blasted FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, calling the approval “a disgrace” and warning that such consolidation threatens media diversity.

He accused Carr of favoring political narratives, referencing past tensions involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and alleging censorship attempts. Newsom likened the situation to authoritarian behavior, saying it reflected “the kind of conduct that makes Putin blush.”

Carr, in turn, fired back on social media, accusing Newsom of acting on behalf of wealthy media elites seeking unchecked influence over public narratives.

According to Carr, these “billionaires in media” aim to distort news and push narrow agendas without accountability—something he insists the FCC will not allow.

Newsom responded bluntly: Carr’s remarks, he said, amount to an admission of intent to censor the press.

Past Clashes Add Fuel to the Fire

The feud is not occurring in isolation.

Last year, Carr warned broadcasters after controversial remarks by Jimmy Kimmel about political reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He suggested stations could face consequences if they failed to act.

Soon after, Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group pulled Kimmel’s show from certain ABC affiliates. Disney-ABC also briefly removed the program before restoring it days later. The stations eventually followed suit.

More recently, Carr escalated tensions again by warning broadcasters about license risks following former President Donald Trump’s criticism of media coverage of the Iran war. Carr emphasized that stations must operate in the “public interest” or risk losing licenses.