The future of local TV news has taken a Trumpian turn

The future of local TV news has taken a drastic turn with the recent merger of Nexstar and Tegna, two of the largest local TV station owners in the US, now reaching over 39 percent of all TV households in the country. This merger has raised concerns about the impact on local news coverage and the potential for biased reporting. The Federal Communications Commission had previously ruled that no one company could broadcast to more than 39 percent of all TV households in an effort to prevent a monopoly. The Nexstar and Tegna merger has sparked controversy and debate about the future of local TV news. The impact of this merger on local news coverage is a major concern for viewers who rely on local stations for news and information. With the merger, there is a risk that local news coverage will become more biased and less diverse, as the same company will own multiple stations in the same market. For example, a study by the Pew Research Center found that 77 percent of adults in the US get their news from local TV stations, making local news a vital source of information for many people. Background context The history of the FCC rule dates back to 2004, when the commission laid down the rule to prevent a monopoly in the TV broadcasting industry. The rule was designed to promote diversity and competition in the market, and to ensure that no one company had too much control over the airwaves. However, with the rise of digital media and online news sources, the TV broadcasting industry has undergone significant changes, and the rule has been challenged by some as outdated. According to a report by the FCC, the number of TV stations in the US has decreased by 12 percent since 2010, and the industry has become increasingly consolidated. What to expect next The merger of Nexstar and Tegna is expected to have significant implications for the future of local TV news. The company will have to comply with the FCC rule, which may require it to sell off some of its stations to stay under the 39 percent threshold. The merger is also likely to face scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers, who will be watching closely to see how the company handles its expanded reach and influence. For instance, Senator Maria Cantwell has already expressed concerns about the merger, stating that it could lead to a loss of diversity in local news coverage. The future of local news The implications of the Nexstar and Tegna merger are far-reaching, and the future of local TV news hangs in the balance. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that the traditional model of local TV news is under threat. The question is, what will replace it, and how will viewers be affected. With the rise of online news sources and social media, there are concerns that local news coverage will become less relevant, and that viewers will turn to other sources for their news and information. According to a report by the Knight Foundation, 62 percent of adults in the US say that local news is important to them, but only 28 percent say that they have a favorite local news source. The bottom line The merger of Nexstar and Tegna is a significant development in the TV broadcasting industry, and its impact on local news coverage will be closely watched. With the company's expanded reach and influence, there is a risk that local news coverage will become more biased and less diverse. The FCC rule is in place to prevent a monopoly, but it remains to be seen how effective it will be in promoting diversity and competition in the market. One thing is clear, the future of local TV news is uncertain, and the outcome of this merger will have significant implications for viewers and the media industry as a whole. The key takeaway is that the merger of Nexstar and Tegna has significant implications for the future of local TV news, and regulators and lawmakers must carefully consider the potential consequences of this deal.