At a time when conservatives are increasingly concerned about media concentration in American journalism, it is fair to ask an uncomfortable question: Why is the 60 Plus Association supporting the proposed Nexstar-TEGNA merger?

The question is particularly relevant because 60 Plus presents itself as a conservative organization. They say they are dedicated to protecting seniors and advancing the free-market.

Yet in a recent commentary, Saul Anuzis, president of 60 Plus, criticized Republican attorney generals Kris Kobach (Kansas), Todd Rokita (Indiana) and Dave Sunday (Pennsylvania) for challenging the Nexstar merger.

Anuzis portrayed these attorney generals as obstacles to local journalism and economic growth.

But the opposite is true: Kobach, Rokita and Sunday are supporting both journalism and the economic well-being of citizens.

They are also supporting competition while raising legitimate concerns about a dangerous merger giving unprecedented power to Nexstar.

Please understand this: if approved, the Nexstar-TEGNA deal would create the largest television station owner in American history.

Ever in history!

The combined company would control more than 260 television stations reaching roughly 80% of American households.

For decades, federal media ownership limits, first promoted by President Ronald Reagan, were designed to prevent exactly this kind of concentration of media power.

The principle was simple: no single company should dominate access to local television news across the nation.

Those safeguards were embraced by Republicans and Democrats alike because media concentration threatens competition, consumer choice, and viewpoint diversity.

Yet supporters of the Nexstar merger now argue that these concerns should be dismissed because the media landscape has changed.

Has it?

The reality is that local television remains one the primary source of local news in America.

Millions of Americans still rely on local TV broadcasters for information about elections, public safety, severe weather, and community affairs.

Giving one liberal company like Nexstar unprecedented control over local television stations is not a conservative victory.

It is corporate consolidation on a massive scale for a very liberal company.

Nexstar owns NewsNation, whose primetime lineup is led by former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo. Many conservatives remember Cuomo for his vicious criticisms of President Trump at CNN.

Critics also point to the fact in the 2024 election Nexstar employees gave 80% of their political donations to Kamala Harris. Less than 20% went for Trump.

That raises a simple question: Why are supposedly conservative organizations like 60 Plus lobbying on behalf of one of the largest liberal media conglomerates in America?

The answer may have less to do with ideology and much more to do with big money.

Large-scale consolidation historically benefits corporate conglomerates.

Nexstar says it is on target to make over $2 billion in profits this year!

When TV broadcasters gain greater market power, they are able to demand higher retransmission fees from cable and satellite providers.

But those costs are almost always passed directly to consumers in the form of higher cable bills.

That means you and I pay for this consolidation!

Here's the truth: Americans already pay double what Europeans pay for cable TV.

This is because many TV broadcasters charge substantial fees to cable operators for carriage.

Consumers are left paying the bill.

Anuzis claims this merger will somehow produce stronger local journalism.

How is this so?

Media consolidation leads to newsroom reductions, centralized operations, and fewer local reporters.

Unfortunately, local journalism is often the first casualty of a merger.

Conservatives who spent years warning about the dangers of Big Tech monopolies should oppose TV media monopolies.

Perry Sook, the CEO of Nexstar, says after consolidation only "two or three" companies will own all the major TV stations in the country.

Is that good for competition?

For consumer prices?

For viewpoint diversity?

Bigger is not always better.

More media concentration is not more competition.

And big corporate power is not usually aligned with conservative values.

Make sure you pat Kris Kobach, Todd Rokita, and Dave Sunday on the back.

They deserve your support and real credit for opposing Nexstar's mega-merger.

They are protecting consumers like you.

And think twice of joining Saul Anuzis 60 Plus Association.

When it comes to media consolidation, opposition is not obstruction.

It is good common sense. Kobach, Rokita and Sunday have it.

Dick Morris is a political strategist and author who has advised several U.S. presidents, governors, and mayors over a 40-year career. Read more Dick Morris Insider articles — Click Here Now.