The case could determine how much further WPRI’s owner can expand and whether greater broadcast consolidation would raise programming costs or reduce competition in local news.
The owner of Providence’s WPRI-TV must answer allegations that it violated a federal order keeping it separate from rival Tegna Inc., a new test for the broadcaster’s stalled $6.2 billion expansion as state attorneys general challenge further consolidation of local television ownership.
Nexstar Media Group Inc., which owns WPRI-TV and provides programming through FOX Providence, The CW Providence and myRITV in the Providence-New Bedford market, has until July 28 to respond to the allegations. Replies are due July 30…