Broadcast Ownership Rule Controversy
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1h ago
0mins
Should l Buy NMAX?
Source: seekingalpha
- Ownership Cap Debate: The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is set to clash with right-wing channel Newsmax over the national television ownership rule, which limits broadcasters to 39% of U.S. TV households, highlighting concerns over competition and diversity.
- Newsmax's Position: Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy argues that the rule is one of the last meaningful protections for competition, warning that raising the ownership cap would allow a few corporations to control most TV stations, thereby undermining local news independence.
- NAB's Argument: NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt advocates for lifting the outdated cap, asserting that the current rules are unfair to broadcasters, especially as Big Tech companies face no such restrictions, which limits the revenue base for local journalism.
- Political Support and Opposition: Trump endorsed Nexstar's proposal to acquire Tegna on social media, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr backing him, suggesting that lifting the cap would enhance competition, while Senator Cantwell cautioned that it would accelerate the consolidation of local newsrooms.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy NMAX?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on NMAX
Wall Street analysts forecast NMAX stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for NMAX is 20.50 USD with a low forecast of 20.00 USD and a high forecast of 21.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 6.110
Low
20.00
Averages
20.50
High
21.00
Current: 6.110
Low
20.00
Averages
20.50
High
21.00
About NMAX
Newsmax, Inc. is a holding company that owns 100% of the interests of its operating company, Newsmax Media, Inc. (Newsmax Media). Newsmax Media is a television broadcaster and multi-platform content publisher. Its Broadcast segment of the Company’s business produces and licenses news, business news and lifestyle content for distribution primarily through multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), including cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite operators and telecommunication companies, primarily in the United States. The Digital segment includes online advertising, including online display, email advertising, other online placements and print advertisements, subscriptions, including a collection of specialized health and financial newsletters, Newsmax Magazine and four online membership programs, and e-commerce, through its subsidiaries that sell nutraceuticals and nonfiction books on political, financial and health-related topics.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Broadcast Ownership Rule Controversy
- Ownership Cap Debate: The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is set to clash with right-wing channel Newsmax over the national television ownership rule, which limits broadcasters to 39% of U.S. TV households, highlighting concerns over competition and diversity.
- Newsmax's Position: Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy argues that the rule is one of the last meaningful protections for competition, warning that raising the ownership cap would allow a few corporations to control most TV stations, thereby undermining local news independence.
- NAB's Argument: NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt advocates for lifting the outdated cap, asserting that the current rules are unfair to broadcasters, especially as Big Tech companies face no such restrictions, which limits the revenue base for local journalism.
- Political Support and Opposition: Trump endorsed Nexstar's proposal to acquire Tegna on social media, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr backing him, suggesting that lifting the cap would enhance competition, while Senator Cantwell cautioned that it would accelerate the consolidation of local newsrooms.
See More
Trump Endorses Nexstar's $6.2 Billion Tegna Acquisition
- Trump's Stance Reversal: Trump endorsed Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna on social media, reversing his November opposition, stating that the deal would enhance competition and help combat fake news, highlighting his concern over media competition dynamics.
- Transaction Scale and Impact: Following the acquisition, Nexstar will own over 200 stations, reaching approximately 80% of U.S. households, with the deal expected to close in the second half of 2026, further solidifying Nexstar's leadership in the broadcast news sector.
- Regulatory Challenges: The deal requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission to lift the 39% household reach cap, reflecting the critical impact of regulatory policies on the success of media industry consolidations.
- Financial Metrics Overview: Nexstar has a market capitalization of $6.71 billion, with a 52-week high of $223.43 and a low of $141.66; Tegna's market cap stands at $3.07 billion, with a 52-week high of $21.35 and a low of $14.87, indicating differing market performances and potentials for both companies.
See More
Newsmax Founder Analyst Michael Reagan Passes Away
- Deep Condolences: Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy stated that Michael Reagan was more than a political commentator; he embodied his father Ronald Reagan's legacy, passionately advocating for freedom, family, and faith throughout his life.
- Significant Impact: As a founding analyst for Newsmax, Michael Reagan played a crucial role in establishing the network as one of the nation's emerging and influential media platforms, which regularly reaches over 40 million Americans through its media properties.
- Media Influence: Newsmax, recognized as the fourth highest-rated news network, is available on all major pay TV providers and boasts over 20 million followers across its website and social media platforms, highlighting its significant position among U.S. news brands.
- Legacy Continuation: Michael Reagan's passing represents a profound loss for his family and American patriotism, and Newsmax will continue to honor his contributions and influence in the media industry.
See More
Versant Media Group Goes Public with $6.8 Billion Market Cap
- Listing Milestone: Versant Media Group began trading on Nasdaq on July 21, 2025, achieving a market capitalization of $6.8 billion, marking a significant moment as an independent media company and likely attracting investor interest.
- Stock Price Volatility: The stock opened at $55 per share on its debut but has since fallen to $46.65, reflecting market concerns over the challenges facing the traditional media industry amid a shift to streaming.
- Financial Performance: Versant reported $7.1 billion in revenue for 2024, down from $7.4 billion in 2023, indicating pressure on traditional TV operations as consumers move away from cable bundles.
- Debt Structure: The company plans to issue $2.75 billion in new senior secured debt to fund a $2.25 billion cash distribution to Comcast and bolster its balance sheet with an additional $500 million, with rating agencies maintaining a stable outlook despite the junk status of its debt.
See More
Versant Media Goes Public with $6.8 Billion Market Cap Following Comcast Spin-off
- Public Listing: Versant Media debuted on Nasdaq on Monday with a market capitalization of $6.8 billion, marking its transition to an independent public media company following its spin-off from Comcast, which is expected to enhance its competitive position in the market.
- Stock Price Fluctuation: The stock opened at $55 per share during its initial trading but has since fallen to $46.65 as of last Friday, reflecting market concerns regarding the challenges faced by traditional media companies.
- Financial Performance: In 2024, Versant reported revenues of $7.1 billion, down from $7.4 billion in 2023, indicating pressure on traditional television operations as consumers shift towards streaming services.
- Debt Structure: Versant plans to issue $2.75 billion in new senior secured debt to fund a $2.25 billion cash distribution to Comcast and bolster its balance sheet, with credit ratings agencies assigning a BB rating, placing it in junk territory, yet its low debt levels are viewed as a significant advantage.
See More
Fox's Market Cap of $31 Billion Expected to Exceed Newsmax
- Competitive Landscape: Fox Corp's market cap of nearly $31 billion significantly surpasses Newsmax's $1.1 billion, indicating Fox's strong competitive position in conservative news, expected to maintain its lead by the end of the decade.
- Financial Performance: Newsmax reported a net loss of $4.1 million in Q3 2025, while Fox achieved a profit of $690 million in the same quarter, highlighting a significant disparity in profitability that could affect investor confidence.
- Growth Potential: Mirum Pharmaceuticals experienced a 47% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3, contrasting with Newsmax's low single-digit revenue growth, suggesting that Mirum's rapid development in the pharmaceutical market may attract more investor interest.
- Advertising Market Outlook: The Trade Desk, with a market cap of $18.6 billion, is expected to surpass Newsmax in the next five years, demonstrating the strong growth potential of advertising technology companies, which may offer better returns for investors.
See More
Broadcast Ownership Rule Controversy
- Ownership Cap Debate: The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is set to clash with right-wing channel Newsmax over the national television ownership rule, which limits broadcasters to 39% of U.S. TV households, highlighting concerns over competition and diversity.
- Newsmax's Position: Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy argues that the rule is one of the last meaningful protections for competition, warning that raising the ownership cap would allow a few corporations to control most TV stations, thereby undermining local news independence.
- NAB's Argument: NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt advocates for lifting the outdated cap, asserting that the current rules are unfair to broadcasters, especially as Big Tech companies face no such restrictions, which limits the revenue base for local journalism.
- Political Support and Opposition: Trump endorsed Nexstar's proposal to acquire Tegna on social media, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr backing him, suggesting that lifting the cap would enhance competition, while Senator Cantwell cautioned that it would accelerate the consolidation of local newsrooms.
See More
Trump Endorses Nexstar's $6.2 Billion Tegna Acquisition
- Trump's Stance Reversal: Trump endorsed Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna on social media, reversing his November opposition, stating that the deal would enhance competition and help combat fake news, highlighting his concern over media competition dynamics.
- Transaction Scale and Impact: Following the acquisition, Nexstar will own over 200 stations, reaching approximately 80% of U.S. households, with the deal expected to close in the second half of 2026, further solidifying Nexstar's leadership in the broadcast news sector.
- Regulatory Challenges: The deal requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission to lift the 39% household reach cap, reflecting the critical impact of regulatory policies on the success of media industry consolidations.
- Financial Metrics Overview: Nexstar has a market capitalization of $6.71 billion, with a 52-week high of $223.43 and a low of $141.66; Tegna's market cap stands at $3.07 billion, with a 52-week high of $21.35 and a low of $14.87, indicating differing market performances and potentials for both companies.
See More
Newsmax Founder Analyst Michael Reagan Passes Away
- Deep Condolences: Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy stated that Michael Reagan was more than a political commentator; he embodied his father Ronald Reagan's legacy, passionately advocating for freedom, family, and faith throughout his life.
- Significant Impact: As a founding analyst for Newsmax, Michael Reagan played a crucial role in establishing the network as one of the nation's emerging and influential media platforms, which regularly reaches over 40 million Americans through its media properties.
- Media Influence: Newsmax, recognized as the fourth highest-rated news network, is available on all major pay TV providers and boasts over 20 million followers across its website and social media platforms, highlighting its significant position among U.S. news brands.
- Legacy Continuation: Michael Reagan's passing represents a profound loss for his family and American patriotism, and Newsmax will continue to honor his contributions and influence in the media industry.
See More
Versant Media Group Goes Public with $6.8 Billion Market Cap
- Listing Milestone: Versant Media Group began trading on Nasdaq on July 21, 2025, achieving a market capitalization of $6.8 billion, marking a significant moment as an independent media company and likely attracting investor interest.
- Stock Price Volatility: The stock opened at $55 per share on its debut but has since fallen to $46.65, reflecting market concerns over the challenges facing the traditional media industry amid a shift to streaming.
- Financial Performance: Versant reported $7.1 billion in revenue for 2024, down from $7.4 billion in 2023, indicating pressure on traditional TV operations as consumers move away from cable bundles.
- Debt Structure: The company plans to issue $2.75 billion in new senior secured debt to fund a $2.25 billion cash distribution to Comcast and bolster its balance sheet with an additional $500 million, with rating agencies maintaining a stable outlook despite the junk status of its debt.
See More
Versant Media Goes Public with $6.8 Billion Market Cap Following Comcast Spin-off
- Public Listing: Versant Media debuted on Nasdaq on Monday with a market capitalization of $6.8 billion, marking its transition to an independent public media company following its spin-off from Comcast, which is expected to enhance its competitive position in the market.
- Stock Price Fluctuation: The stock opened at $55 per share during its initial trading but has since fallen to $46.65 as of last Friday, reflecting market concerns regarding the challenges faced by traditional media companies.
- Financial Performance: In 2024, Versant reported revenues of $7.1 billion, down from $7.4 billion in 2023, indicating pressure on traditional television operations as consumers shift towards streaming services.
- Debt Structure: Versant plans to issue $2.75 billion in new senior secured debt to fund a $2.25 billion cash distribution to Comcast and bolster its balance sheet, with credit ratings agencies assigning a BB rating, placing it in junk territory, yet its low debt levels are viewed as a significant advantage.
See More
Fox's Market Cap of $31 Billion Expected to Exceed Newsmax
- Competitive Landscape: Fox Corp's market cap of nearly $31 billion significantly surpasses Newsmax's $1.1 billion, indicating Fox's strong competitive position in conservative news, expected to maintain its lead by the end of the decade.
- Financial Performance: Newsmax reported a net loss of $4.1 million in Q3 2025, while Fox achieved a profit of $690 million in the same quarter, highlighting a significant disparity in profitability that could affect investor confidence.
- Growth Potential: Mirum Pharmaceuticals experienced a 47% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3, contrasting with Newsmax's low single-digit revenue growth, suggesting that Mirum's rapid development in the pharmaceutical market may attract more investor interest.
- Advertising Market Outlook: The Trade Desk, with a market cap of $18.6 billion, is expected to surpass Newsmax in the next five years, demonstrating the strong growth potential of advertising technology companies, which may offer better returns for investors.
See More
