Perry Sook

Perry Sook founded Nexstar in 1996 and built it into the largest owner of local television stations in the United States, with a national footprint of broadcast stations, the CW network, and cable news channel NewsNation. His stations deliver local news to a large share of American markets.

In 2025 Nexstar agreed to acquire Tegna for $6.2 billion, a deal that would push its reach to roughly 80% of U.S. households -- more than double the federal 39% ownership cap -- betting on a deregulatory moment under the Trump administration. The board extended Sook's contract amid the pending deal.

Sook's control over local news across dozens of markets makes him one of the most influential figures in American broadcast media.

What they control

• Nexstar's portfolio of local TV stations (the largest in the U.S.)
• The CW broadcast network
• NewsNation cable news channel
• Local news content across dozens of markets
• A pending $6.2 billion Tegna acquisition

Key institutions & holdings

Key facts

• Founded Nexstar in 1996.
• Nexstar is the largest U.S. owner of local TV stations.
• Owns The CW network and NewsNation.
• Agreed to a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna in 2025.
• The Tegna deal would reach ~80% of U.S. households, above the 39% cap.

Timeline

1. 1996Founds Nexstar.
2. 2019Acquires Tribune Media, becoming the largest local-TV owner.
3. 2025-08Agrees to acquire Tegna for $6.2 billion.
4. 2025-10Board extends Sook's contract amid the pending deal.

Controversies

Network

• TegnaAcquisition targetSubject of Nexstar's pending $6.2 billion deal.