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If $6.2B deal is approved, 3 Memphis TV stations would have 1 owner

By , Daily Memphian Updated: August 20, 2025 5:59 PM CT | Published: August 20, 2025 3:47 PM CT

If a proposed $6.2 billion deal between Nexstar Media Group and rival Tegna goes through, three of Memphis’ five primary television stations will have the same owner, a consolidation that could reduce the city’s broadcast news options.

Nexstar currently oversees more than 200 owned and partner stations in 116 markets nationwide, including WREG-TV, News Channel 3, in Memphis. Tegna owns 64 news stations in 51 markets, including two in Memphis: WATN-TV, the ABC affiliate, and WLMT-TV, the CW affiliate.

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WREG WATN WLMT broadcasting Nexstar Subscriber Only

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Jody Callahan

Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.


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