Tegna: Acquisition Boosts Nexstar's Presence and Unifies Indianapolis News Outlets
Deal News | Aug 19, 2025 | EIN

Nexstar Media Group, a prominent media conglomerate known for operating over 200 news stations in the United States, including those in key markets like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, has announced its agreement to acquire TEGNA, the parent company of WTHR in Indianapolis. This acquisition, valued at approximately $6.2 billion, was unveiled in a cash transaction for all of TEGNA's outstanding shares at $22 per share, indicating a 31% premium over the average stock price as of early August 2025. With the acquisition, Nexstar continues its expansion by acquiring control over TEGNA's 64 stations, thereby further strengthening its media presence, particularly in direct market areas such as Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, and Minneapolis. Nexstar's CEO Perry A. Sook expressed confidence that the deal would enhance their ability to deliver compelling local content. The acquisition also signifies the unification of the Indianapolis market as Nexstar will now own WTTV, WXIN, and WTHR. However, the operational and staffing implications for the Indianapolis stations remain unclear. Meanwhile, TEGNA's CEO, Mike Steib, praised the synergy with Nexstar, emphasizing the commitment to serve communities with impactful content.
Sectors
- Media
Geography
- United States – The geography classification 'United States' is relevant as both Nexstar and TEGNA are U.S.-based companies with a presence in various domestic markets like Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York, and others mentioned in the article.
- Indianapolis – Indianapolis is highlighted specifically because the acquisition directly impacts Indy-based stations, namely WTTV, WXIN, and WTHR, which will all be under Nexstar's ownership following the merger.
Industry
- Media – This industry classification is relevant because the article discusses the acquisition of TEGNA by Nexstar Media Group, both operating within the television broadcast and media industry.
Financials
- $6.2 billion – Total value of the cash transaction for acquiring TEGNA.
- $22 per share – The acquisition price per share of TEGNA stock, representing a 31% premium.
- 31% – The premium amount over TEGNA's average 30-day stock price ending August 8, 2025.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexstar Media Group | Buyer | Company | Nexstar Media Group is a television broadcasting company seeking to expand its reach by acquiring TEGNA. |
| TEGNA | Target company | Company | TEGNA is a television broadcasting company operating 64 stations, being acquired by Nexstar Media Group. |
| WTTV (CBS 4) | Local Station (part of Nexstar) | Company | One of the Indianapolis stations already managed by Nexstar. |
| WXIN (FOX 59) | Local Station (part of Nexstar) | Company | Another Indianapolis station already managed by Nexstar. |
| WTHR (NBC 13) | Local Station (part of TEGNA) | Company | WTHR is a local Indianapolis station part of TEGNA, which will be acquired by Nexstar. |
| Perry A. Sook | CEO | Person | Perry A. Sook is the chairman and CEO of Nexstar Media Group, commenting on the expansion benefits of the acquisition. |
| Mike Steib | CEO | Person | Mike Steib is the CEO of TEGNA, expressing optimism about the acquisition and its alignment with TEGNA's goals. |
| TEGNA Board of Directors | Decision Maker | Company | The board that unanimously approved the acquisition proposal set forth by Nexstar. |