Dick Morris is nothing if not a company guy, so he has signed on to join Newsmax in fighting a merger of TV groups Nexstar and Tegna. He wrote in a June 19 column:
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 attorneys general Kris Kobach (Kansas), Todd Rokita (Indiana) and Dave Sunday (Pennsylvania) for challenging the Nexstar merger.
Anuzis portrayed these attorneys general 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.
Morris also rehashed a bogus ideological talking point:
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.
As we’ve documented, NewsNation is very much a right-leaning channel.
Morris concluded by gushing over the Republican attorneys general working on Newsmax’s behalf:
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.
Morris didn’t disclose that thoes officials are working on Newsmax’s behalf in opposing the merger.