Some items on our site have recently moved. Visit our News Hub for selected articles, special reports, podcasts and other resources.
Nexstar-Tribune deal is expected to draw second request from DOJ
07 Feb 2019 12:35 pm by Jenna Ebersole
Nexstar Media’s plan to buy broadcasting rival Tribune Media is expected to prompt a second request for more information from the US Department of Justice, MLex has learned.
The companies filed antitrust paperwork on their transaction Jan. 8, according to a securities filing. The paperwork kicked off an initial 30-day waiting period set to expire today. Instead of expiration, a second request extending the review is expected, it is understood.
A spokesman for the DOJ declined to comment today.
Nexstar said in early December it would acquire Tribune in a $6.4 billion transaction that would create the nation's largest local television broadcaster and local media company. Both the DOJ and US Federal Communications Commission must sign off on the merger.
The deal comes after the collapse of Sinclair Broadcast Group’s attempt to buy Tribune following unexpected opposition from the FCC.
Nexstar has signaled in this deal it has a strategy to set up a smoother regulatory process, committing from the outset to divestitures in nearly all markets where the companies compete and to delivering a compliance plan that all sides can accept.
So far, Nexstar has identified three TV stations for divestiture: WTKR-TV in Norfolk, Virginia; WGNT-TV in Portsmouth, Virginia; and WNEP-TV in Scranton-Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Other divestitures are also planned in overlap markets.
The FCC is expected to issue a notice establishing a docket on its review of the transaction, which would set deadlines for public comment, but has not done so yet.
Related Articles
-
24 Feb 2021 7:23 am by Yonnex LiChip dealmakers from the US and elsewhere are likely to be bracing for new challenges in their global buying spree.
-
29 Dec 2020 12:00 am by Curtis EichelbergerMergers and US antitrust filings are expected to remain strong through the first half of 2021, fueled by acquisitions in the wake of the global pandemic.
-
19 Oct 2020 10:29 pm by Kirk VictorA recommendation in the House Judiciary Committee’s 452-page report on competition in digital markets is sparking debate.