FCC Removes TV Ownership Caps, Boosting Nexstar’s Reach to 80% of U.S. Households
In August 2026, the FCC voted to eliminate the national TV ownership cap, enabling Nexstar’s expansion.
Why it matters: These regulatory changes reshape media ownership rules and impact legal oversight of telecom consolidation, crucial for in-house and media counsel monitoring competition and compliance risks.
- On August 6, 2026, the FCC voted 2-1 to remove the national TV ownership cap, previously set at 39% of U.S. TV households.
- Nexstar’s $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna allows it to reach up to 80% of U.S. television households via local stations.
- FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez dissented, citing lack of Congressional authorization to change ownership caps.
- Legal challenges followed, including a Free Press lawsuit and a U.S. District Judge’s temporary restraining order blocking Nexstar/Tegna merger integration.
On August 6, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 2-1 to eliminate the national television ownership cap that limited broadcasters to reaching 39% of U.S. households. This vote enables companies like Nexstar to expand their reach significantly through local station ownership.
Nexstar had earlier in 2026 completed a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, significantly increasing its station portfolio. Removing the ownership cap potentially allows Nexstar to reach about 80% of U.S. TV households — more than double the former limit.
Commissioner Anna Gomez, the sole dissenting vote, argued the FCC lacked authority to change the ownership cap. She noted Congress had revoked this authority in legislation after the cap’s establishment in 2004. Gomez's dissent emphasizes the contentious legal and regulatory questions raised by the FCC’s decision.
Following the vote, advocacy group Free Press filed a lawsuit challenging the cap removal, citing concerns about concentrated media ownership and diminished competition. Additionally, a U.S. District Judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing Nexstar and Tegna from fully integrating their operations pending further review, citing competition and newsroom consolidation concerns.
These developments reflect ongoing debates over media consolidation regulation, with significant implications for broadcasters, regulators, and legal teams advising on compliance and competition risks.
By the numbers:
- 2-1 — FCC vote to remove national TV ownership cap on August 6, 2026
- $6.2 billion — Nexstar’s acquisition cost for Tegna
- 80% — Potential U.S. TV household reach for Nexstar post-merger
Yes, but: While the FCC removed the cap, Commissioner Gomez’s dissent and ensuing litigation highlight uncertain legal ground that could delay or reverse these changes.
What's next: The legal challenges by Free Press and the pending judicial review of the Nexstar/Tegna merger integration will be key to watch in late 2026 and beyond.