Nexstar and Tribune, MB Docket No. 19-30

Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. (Nexstar) and Tribune Media Company (Tribune) have filed applications seeking Commission approval to transfer control of Tribune's various broadcast television and radio licenses to Nexstar. Media General currently holds or controls 41 full-power broadcast television station licenses and one full power AM radio station. In eleven television markets, Nexstar and Tribune each holds a "Top Four" full-power television station license. To comply with the Commission's rules, the applicants state that if the application is approved, they will divest one of those stations in ten of the markets; in the remaining market, Indianapolis, Tribune currently owns two "Top Four" stations and the companies seek to show that it is appropriate to allow Nexstar to own the two stations if it divests the other stations it owns in that market. In two television markets, the companies also each hold full-power broadcast television station licenses which they claim is in accordance with Commission rules. In other markets, Tribune also currently owns certain combinations of television stations which would be owned by Nexstar if the applications are approved. The applicants also plan other divestitures such that, if their applications are approved, the combined company would hold reach no greater than 39% of all U.S. television households when calculated by reducing the audience reached by a UHF station by 50% in accordance with FCC rules. Finally, Nexstar seeks continuing satellite waivers in two markets and a waiver of Section 73.3518, the Commission's inconsistent application rule. Petitions to deny and comments are due on or before March 18, 2019. Oppositions to the petitions are due April 2, 2019, and replies are due April 9, 2019.