FCC Says Nexstar Violated Ownership Cap Rules in Connection With WPIX-TV

By Josh Beckerman

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said Thursday it found that Nexstar Media Group violated ownership rules in connection with New York station WPIX-TV, a decision the media company plans to dispute.

Nexstar said it has always complied with FCC regulations and it believes the agency has misjudged the facts of the matter.

WPIX is owned by Mission Broadcasting and operated by Nexstar. The company said its relationship with WPIX under a Local Marketing Agreement was approved by the FCC in 2020, when Mission bought the station.

In its decision, the FCC found that Nexstar took de facto control of WPIX through actions taken by it and Mission which the agency said resulted in Nexstar violating a longstanding cap that limits TV station owners to a 39% national audience share.

Write to Josh Beckerman at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-21-24 1909ET