FCC approves Nexstar’s $6.2 billion merger with Tegna

(NBC, KYMA) - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved of Nexstar's $6.2 billion deal to acquire rival TV station Tegna.

The Thursday announcement from the FCC comes less than a day after eight state attorneys general sued to block it, with the lawsuit claiming the merger violates federal antitrust law.

The merging of the two TV broadcast companies would create the largest operator of local television stations in the country, covering at least 60% of U.S. households.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said, in a press release, the agency waived a rule that prohibits a single company from owning TV stations reaching more than 39% of households.

Carr said waiving that rule "promotes the underlying purpose of the FCC's media regulations by promoting competition, localism, and diversity"

In a statement, the only Democrat on the FCC, Anna M. Gomez, criticized the deal saying the deal was "approved behind closed doors with no open process, no full commission vote, and no transparency"

Perry Sook, Nexstar's founder, chairman and CEO, also issued a statement saying in part, "This transaction is essential to sustaining strong local journalism in the communities we serve. By bringing these two outstanding companies together, Nexstar will be a stronger, more dynamic enterprise—better positioned to deliver exceptional journalism and local programming with enhanced assets, capabilities, and talent."