A proposed merger that would form the biggest local TV company the country has ever seen risks driving up monthly TV bills for tens of millions of Americans, undercutting President Donald Trump’s affordability drive ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. 

The proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna would put nearly 80% of U.S. households under one broadcaster’s reach, giving the combined company major influence over the retransmission fees that drive cable and live-TV bills.