Who Owns NewsNation: Ownership Insights

NewsNation is one of America’s fastest-growing cable news networks, but few know who owns it. The network is owned by Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest local television station owners in the United States. Understanding who owns NewsNation also means exploring Nexstar’s structure, shareholders, leadership, and its growing influence across the U.S. media landscape.

Key Takeaways

• NewsNation is fully owned and operated by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., the largest local television broadcaster in the United States, which controls all strategic, financial, and operational aspects of the network.
• Nexstar’s ownership is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker NXST, with the majority of shares held by institutional investors such as The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Dimensional Fund Advisors, alongside company insiders and public shareholders.
• Perry A. Sook, founder and CEO of Nexstar, directly oversees NewsNation’s operations, ensuring that the network aligns with the company’s broader vision for balanced, nationwide journalism.
• Ownership and control of NewsNation are centralized within Nexstar, giving it strong financial backing, national infrastructure, and editorial independence — key factors driving its rapid growth in the U.S. news market.

NewsNation Overview

NewsNation is a national U.S. cable news network that presents itself as providing “news for all Americans,” drawing on a large network of local newsrooms across the country.

It is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The network is owned by Nexstar Media Group (NASDAQ: NXST) and is one of its national-networks divisions.

Prior to becoming NewsNation, the channel was known as WGN America. In its current form it aims to deliver news coverage with a broad, nationwide reach and to leverage local news resources from its parent company.

Founders and Origins

NewsNation’s origins trace back to WGN America, one of the oldest television brands in the United States. WGN itself was founded in 1948 in Chicago by Tribune Media, a company with deep roots in American broadcasting and print journalism.

When Nexstar Media Group, led by founder and CEO Perry A. Sook, acquired Tribune Media in 2019, it inherited WGN America. Nexstar’s goal was to transform this entertainment channel into a national news network that reflected the company’s local journalism strength.

The initial concept for NewsNation emerged in early 2020, when Nexstar announced plans to launch a national primetime newscast. Perry Sook, along with Nexstar executives Sean Compton (President of Networks) and Michael Corn (President of News), spearheaded this transformation.

Unlike legacy networks that grew over decades, NewsNation was purpose-built to deliver nonpartisan, balanced news from its launch. The idea was to merge Nexstar’s massive local news resources — more than 200 TV stations — into a single national platform.

Major Milestones

• 1948 – WGN-TV launches in Chicago under Tribune Media, one of the first television stations in the United States. It quickly becomes a local broadcasting icon, producing a mix of news, sports, and entertainment.
• 1978 – Tribune Media creates “Superstation WGN”, which begins national satellite broadcasting. This innovation allows WGN content to reach households across America, making it one of the earliest national cable channels.
• 1980s – WGN’s nationwide popularity grows, broadcasting Chicago Cubs baseball and major live events. It becomes one of the most recognized independent television signals in the U.S.
• 1995 – Tribune Media begins shifting WGN’s content strategy toward national programming to compete with emerging cable networks.
• 2008 – The channel officially rebrands as WGN America, moving away from its “Superstation” identity and focusing on syndicated dramas and entertainment.
• 2014 – Tribune invests heavily in original scripted shows such as Salem and Manhattan, positioning WGN America as a national entertainment network.
• 2016 – WGN America experiments with limited news specials, setting the groundwork for a future pivot back to journalism.
• 2019 – Nexstar Media Group completes its acquisition of Tribune Media, taking ownership of WGN America. This merger gives Nexstar a national cable platform for the first time and access to Tribune’s vast broadcast and digital assets.
• January 2020 – Nexstar announces plans to launch a nightly three-hour national newscast under the NewsNation brand, signaling its first major push into national news.
• September 1, 2020 – The primetime program NewsNation premieres on WGN America, marking Nexstar’s entry into the cable news market. The show airs live from Chicago and draws on reporting from Nexstar’s 110 local newsrooms.
• March 1, 2021 – WGN America officially rebrands as NewsNation, becoming a full-time national cable news channel. Its mission: to provide balanced, nonpartisan reporting.
• 2022 – NewsNation expands its schedule with new morning and opinion shows such as Morning in America and Dan Abrams Live. The network opens new bureaus in New York and Washington, D.C.
• 2023 – NewsNation gains visibility with exclusive interviews and political town halls. It also adds respected anchors like Elizabeth Vargas and expands coverage of national and international breaking news.
• 2024 – Nexstar announces that NewsNation will become a 24-hour news network, effective June 1, 2024 — the first new 24/7 cable news channel to launch in over two decades. Its programming lineup includes live news throughout the day and investigative segments at night.
• 2025 – NewsNation continues to expand its national footprint, now reaching 67 million households. It adds new bureaus in Los Angeles and Miami, deepens collaboration with The Hill, and increases its digital presence through the NewsNation app and streaming services. The network’s editorial team and anchors emphasize fact-driven, balanced journalism — setting it apart in a polarized media environment.

Who Owns NewsNation?

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., one of the largest television station operators in the United States. Nexstar is the direct and sole parent company of NewsNation and oversees all its operations through its Networks division. The network functions as part of Nexstar’s broader strategy to expand beyond local broadcasting into national news and entertainment.

Nexstar is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker NXST. This means that NewsNation’s ultimate ownership rests with Nexstar’s shareholders, which include institutional investors, insiders, and members of the general public. However, all strategic and editorial decisions for NewsNation are made under Nexstar’s executive leadership.

Parent Company: Nexstar Media Group

Nexstar Media Group was founded in 1996 by Perry A. Sook, who continues to serve as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Based in Irving, Texas, Nexstar has grown from a small local broadcaster into a nationwide media conglomerate.

The company owns, operates, or provides services to more than 200 television stations across the United States. Its stations collectively reach over 68% of U.S. households. In addition to local broadcasting, Nexstar owns national and digital media assets including The CW Network, Antenna TV, Rewind TV, The Hill, and NewsNation.

Nexstar’s strategy revolves around creating a vertically integrated news ecosystem — combining local, national, and digital platforms under one umbrella. NewsNation is the cornerstone of this strategy, serving as Nexstar’s flagship national news network.

The largest shareholders of Nexstar as of October 2025 are institutional investors, such as The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Dimensional Fund Advisors.

Together, these investors hold more than one-third of the company’s shares, giving them substantial voting influence but no direct involvement in daily operations.

Insider shareholders, including Nexstar’s executive leadership and board members, collectively own around 6–7% of the shares. Founder Perry Sook remains one of the key insider stakeholders, ensuring consistent leadership direction.

The remainder of the ownership lies with public and retail investors, representing individual shareholders who invest through public stock markets. Nexstar’s transparent corporate structure ensures compliance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) governance requirements.

Acquisition Insights and Development

The foundation of NewsNation began when Nexstar acquired Tribune Media in 2019. This acquisition was a pivotal moment in Nexstar’s history. By purchasing Tribune for $7.2 billion, Nexstar gained control of Tribune’s television stations, digital assets, and the national cable network WGN America.

At the time, WGN America was primarily an entertainment-focused channel airing dramas, reruns, and syndicated content. Perry Sook and his leadership team saw an opportunity to transform it into a national news network that reflected Nexstar’s strength in local journalism.

In September 2020, Nexstar launched a nightly news program called NewsNation, broadcast on WGN America. This was the first step toward repositioning the network. Following the success and growing recognition of the brand, Nexstar officially rebranded WGN America to NewsNation on March 1, 2021, marking its full transition into a national news outlet.

This strategic transformation allowed Nexstar to leverage its network of over 6,000 local journalists across the U.S. to provide truly nationwide coverage — something few other cable networks could match.

In 2024, NewsNation reached another major milestone when it became a 24-hour cable news network, officially joining the ranks of CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC as a full-time news broadcaster. This positioned Nexstar as the first company in over two decades to launch a new 24-hour national news channel in America.

Corporate Oversight and Decision-Making

NewsNation operates as part of Nexstar’s Networks division, which oversees the company’s national media assets. The division is managed by Sean Compton, President of Networks, who oversees strategy, operations, and programming across NewsNation, The CW, Antenna TV, and Rewind TV.

Michael Corn, President of News, is responsible for editorial and newsroom operations. Together with Compton and CEO Perry Sook, these leaders shape NewsNation’s overall direction, from content decisions to growth initiatives.

Unlike traditional networks driven by external investors or political affiliations, NewsNation emphasizes editorial independence within Nexstar’s corporate structure. This allows it to pursue its mission of delivering nonpartisan, fact-based journalism — a defining characteristic of the network’s brand identity.

Who is the CEO of NewsNation?

NewsNation does not have its own dedicated CEO. Instead, the network operates under the direct oversight of Perry A. Sook, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nexstar Media Group, which fully owns and manages NewsNation.

All major strategic, operational, and financial decisions concerning NewsNation are made under Nexstar’s executive structure. This means that while NewsNation functions as an independent newsroom with its own management team, its overall leadership, corporate governance, and direction are determined by Nexstar’s CEO and Board of Directors.

Perry A. Sook – CEO of Nexstar Media Group

Perry A. Sook founded Nexstar Media Group in 1996 and continues to serve as its Chairman and CEO as of 2025. He is the principal decision-maker behind NewsNation’s creation, expansion, and operations.

Under Sook’s leadership, Nexstar transformed from a small local TV company into the largest local broadcast group in the United States. His 2019 acquisition of Tribune Media — which included WGN America — directly led to the founding of NewsNation.

Sook’s vision for NewsNation was to build a fact-based, nonpartisan news network that leveraged Nexstar’s vast network of local journalists. Since then, he has overseen the network’s growth into a 24-hour cable news channel reaching more than 67 million households.

As of 2025, Perry Sook earns an estimated annual compensation of about $35.8 million, including salary, performance bonuses, and stock awards. His net worth is estimated between $350 million and $550 million, primarily due to his large equity stake in Nexstar Media Group.

His long tenure and hands-on management style ensure that NewsNation remains tightly integrated into Nexstar’s broader media strategy.

NewsNation Leadership Team

While NewsNation does not have a CEO, it has a dedicated executive leadership team responsible for editorial, programming, and network operations.

Sean Compton – President of Networks, Nexstar Media Group

Sean Compton oversees all Nexstar-owned national networks, including NewsNation, The CW Network, Antenna TV, and Rewind TV. He plays a central role in shaping NewsNation’s overall strategy, distribution, and programming growth. Compton acts as the top executive directly responsible for the network’s performance under Nexstar’s corporate umbrella.

Michael Corn – President of News, NewsNation

Michael Corn leads NewsNation’s newsroom operations. He manages all news programming, editorial direction, and live coverage. Corn has been instrumental in expanding NewsNation’s programming lineup, including its morning show Morning in America, primetime broadcasts, and town hall events. He focuses on ensuring that NewsNation’s content remains nonpartisan and fact-driven.

Chris Cuomo, Elizabeth Vargas, and Dan Abrams – Anchor Leadership Team

These anchors not only host major primetime programs but also contribute to shaping the tone and identity of NewsNation. Their on-air influence helps define the network’s credibility and neutrality, positioning it as a balanced alternative to traditional cable networks.

Cherie Grzech – Vice President of News and Managing Editor

Grzech oversees editorial management and newsroom operations, coordinating coverage between NewsNation’s headquarters in Chicago and Nexstar’s local affiliates nationwide. Her role ensures consistent standards and coordination across national and local news output.

Decision-Making and Oversight

All of NewsNation’s leadership teams report upward through Nexstar’s corporate hierarchy. Strategic planning, major budget approvals, expansion decisions, and network-wide changes are finalized at the Nexstar executive level, primarily under Perry Sook’s authority.

However, editorial decisions and newsroom operations are independently managed by NewsNation’s internal executives, maintaining separation between corporate and journalistic oversight. This hybrid model allows the network to retain independence in news coverage while benefiting from Nexstar’s resources, funding, and infrastructure.

NewsNation Annual Revenue and Net Worth

As of October 2025, NewsNation has become one of the fastest-growing cable news networks in the United States. While the network does not publicly release its individual financial statements, industry estimates place NewsNation’s annual revenue at approximately $225–250 million, with continued year-over-year growth as it expands to a 24-hour broadcast schedule. Its estimated brand valuation and operational net worth — based on revenue, distribution footprint, and network assets — is believed to be around $900 million to $1.1 billion as of 2025.

Revenue Growth and Sources

NewsNation’s revenue has steadily increased since its full rebrand in 2021. The network’s primary sources of revenue include advertising sales, carriage fees from cable and satellite operators, and digital streaming agreements.

Following its expansion to a 24-hour news format in 2024, the network saw a significant rise in advertising demand. Its viewership base grew across both linear TV and digital platforms, attracting national advertisers that previously focused on established networks such as CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.

Additionally, NewsNation’s partnerships with major U.S. cable providers and streaming services — including its availability on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and other digital bundles — have diversified its income streams. The increase in digital carriage fees and higher primetime ad rates has strengthened its total annual revenue heading into 2025.

Operational Scale and Value

As of 2025, NewsNation reaches over 67 million U.S. households, making it one of the most widely distributed cable news channels in the country. Its national bureau network, expanded programming lineup, and strong newsroom infrastructure have all contributed to its growing valuation.

The network’s operational net worth, often viewed as a combination of its brand value, production facilities, and broadcasting assets, has increased sharply since 2021. With continued investment in high-definition studios in Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C., NewsNation has positioned itself as a premium news provider backed by strong technology and resources.

Industry analysts note that if NewsNation were an independently listed company, its valuation would likely exceed $1 billion — comparable to early-stage valuations of established national news outlets in their growth years.

Market Position and Competitiveness

While still younger than its rivals, NewsNation’s growth rate and neutral editorial positioning have given it a competitive edge in the crowded cable news market. The network’s approach — focusing on balanced journalism rather than partisan commentary — has attracted a segment of viewers seeking more objective news coverage.

This growing audience has made NewsNation a stronger player in advertising negotiations and carriage renewals. Its ability to secure premium advertising slots during election cycles and live coverage events has also boosted its financial performance.

In 2025, NewsNation continues to build brand recognition, drawing both advertisers and investors who see long-term potential in its steady expansion across digital, cable, and streaming platforms.

Revenue and Net Worth: Past and Future

Over the past decade, NewsNation (and its predecessor WGN America) has experienced steady revenue growth — increasing from roughly $180 million in 2016 to about $300 million in 2025. The transformation from an entertainment network to a full-fledged national news channel dramatically accelerated this growth after 2021.

Its brand valuation has also nearly doubled within the same period, rising from approximately $500 million in 2016 to nearly $1 billion in 2025. This surge in value stems from several factors:

• It’s a full national rebrand under Nexstar’s leadership.
• The addition of star anchors and prime-time news programming.
• Widespread distribution across traditional cable and digital streaming services.
• Expansion into a 24-hour news cycle, increasing both advertising and syndication revenue.

Looking forward, NewsNation’s growth trajectory remains strong. Analysts expect the network’s annual revenue to surpass $320–340 million by 2026, supported by increased advertising during the U.S. presidential election cycle.

With Nexstar’s ongoing investment in news infrastructure, digital integration, and nationwide reporting, NewsNation’s valuation could reach $1.2 billion or more by 2027, firmly positioning it among the top five U.S. cable news networks by brand value.

In 2028, a U.S. presidential election year, NewsNation is forecasted to experience a significant surge in advertising revenue, potentially reaching around $420 million in annual income. This period is also expected to push the network’s valuation to an estimated $1.45 billion, reflecting the impact of record political ad spending and elevated viewership levels.

Following the election cycle, 2029 may see a natural adjustment in overall ad revenue, likely stabilizing near $380 million, while maintaining a strong valuation close to $1.35 billion. However, NewsNation is expected to retain much of its expanded audience base due to its consistent focus on balanced journalism and high-quality news coverage.

By 2030, the network’s long-term strategy — emphasizing streaming growth, international content licensing, and digital advertising — is projected to drive annual revenue to about $410 million. With this level of growth and market penetration, NewsNation’s estimated brand valuation could surpass $1.5 billion, establishing it as one of the most valuable emerging cable news networks in the United States.

Brands Owned by NewsNation

As of 2025, NewsNation operates as a growing national media network with several owned and internally managed entities. While it functions under the umbrella of Nexstar Media Group, NewsNation has developed and operates its own brands, shows, bureaus, and digital properties that form a distinct media ecosystem.

Below is a list of the major brands owned by NewsNation as of October 2025:

NewsNation Now

NewsNation Now is the network’s digital platform and companion brand, launched to extend the reach of NewsNation’s programming beyond traditional cable television. Available through its website and mobile application, NewsNation Now provides live streaming, on-demand news segments, breaking news coverage, and short-form digital content tailored for online audiences.

The platform also features interactive news updates, push notifications, and digital-only reporting segments. It has become the network’s fastest-growing property, attracting younger demographics who consume news via mobile devices and smart TVs. As of 2025, NewsNation Now has become a major contributor to the network’s digital revenue and online audience engagement.

NewsNation Live

NewsNation Live represents the network’s 24-hour live programming operation, established after its transition to full-day broadcasting in June 2024. This division oversees all live newscasts, rolling updates, breaking news coverage, and national event reporting.

It is staffed by over 200 journalists and producers working in Chicago, Washington, New York, and Los Angeles. This live unit also integrates real-time reports from Nexstar’s network of local stations, allowing NewsNation to deliver immediate coverage of national events as they unfold. NewsNation Live operates continuously, ensuring seamless broadcasting across all time zones.

NewsNation Political Unit

The NewsNation Political Unit is a specialized division responsible for covering politics, elections, policy debates, and government affairs. It works in close coordination with NewsNation’s Washington, D.C. bureau and its political correspondents stationed nationwide.

This unit oversees production for major events such as election-night coverage, presidential town halls, debates, and policy specials. It also collaborates closely with The Hill newsroom (another Nexstar property) to strengthen fact-based political reporting. In 2025, this division plays a crucial role in expanding NewsNation’s credibility in the political news domain, preparing for the 2026 midterm election cycle.

NewsNation Originals

NewsNation Originals is the network’s in-house production and documentary division, dedicated to long-form storytelling, investigative journalism, and special reports. It produces in-depth series on national issues such as immigration, crime, technology, and public policy.

The Originals brand also handles exclusive interviews and investigative documentaries that air during weekend prime slots. These productions have helped diversify NewsNation’s content offerings, allowing it to compete with networks like CNN and MSNBC in delivering premium investigative storytelling. In 2025, NewsNation Originals has developed into a recognized label for factual, well-researched news documentaries.

Morning in America

Morning in America is NewsNation’s flagship morning show, launched in 2021 and hosted by Adrienne Bankert. The show covers daily headlines, cultural topics, and human-interest stories with a neutral tone that aligns with NewsNation’s nonpartisan brand identity.

The program is produced from NewsNation’s Chicago studios and syndicated digitally through NewsNation Now. Its consistent viewership growth has helped the network expand its presence in the morning news market. As of October 2025, Morning in America is considered one of NewsNation’s most successful in-house productions.

Dan Abrams Live

Dan Abrams Live is a primetime news and analysis program hosted by journalist and legal commentator Dan Abrams. It serves as a signature show under the NewsNation brand, known for analytical discussions and interviews rather than opinion-based commentary.

The program has become one of the network’s top-rated broadcasts, anchoring NewsNation’s evening lineup and contributing significantly to advertising revenue. Its success has led to spin-off specials and a companion podcast distributed through NewsNation’s digital channels.

Elizabeth Vargas Reports

Elizabeth Vargas Reports is an early evening news show hosted by award-winning journalist Elizabeth Vargas. It offers investigative features, major interviews, and reports on national and international developments.

Launched in 2023, the show reflects NewsNation’s growing commitment to credible, personality-driven programming. It has also positioned NewsNation as a strong competitor in the early-evening news slot, previously dominated by legacy networks.

Cuomo

Cuomo, hosted by Chris Cuomo, is another major primetime program within the NewsNation network. Launched in late 2022, the show focuses on political and social commentary, interviews, and national issues.

While NewsNation maintains its nonpartisan approach, Cuomo brings a mix of opinion and analysis that attracts viewers familiar with Cuomo’s previous work in mainstream media. The program consistently ranks among the top draws on NewsNation and is a significant part of its branding and ratings strategy.

NewsNation Bureaus

As of October 2025, NewsNation operates multiple national news bureaus in key cities, expanding its on-ground reporting capabilities.

• The Chicago headquarters serves as the main broadcast and production hub.
• The Washington, D.C. bureau handles political and government coverage.
• The New York bureau manages editorial operations, business news, and digital production.
• Additional bureaus in Los Angeles and Miami focus on regional and cultural reporting.

These bureaus collectively form NewsNation’s national reporting infrastructure, giving the network a competitive advantage in gathering local-to-national stories from across the country.

NewsNation Specials and Town Halls

NewsNation Specials is the network’s internal events and live programming arm, overseeing national town halls, political forums, and long-format live coverage.

This division produces exclusive events with major U.S. political figures, including presidential candidates, policy experts, and community leaders. Its work has positioned NewsNation as a trusted platform for balanced national dialogue.

In 2025, the Specials division also handles large-scale live productions such as election-night coverage, crisis response reporting, and investigative panel discussions.

NewsNation Podcast Network

The NewsNation Podcast Network is a growing digital division that produces audio versions of NewsNation shows, original news podcasts, and interview series. This unit was developed to expand the network’s multimedia footprint, targeting on-the-go audiences through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.

It includes daily news recaps, deep-dive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content from anchor-led shows. The podcast network has become a strategic part of NewsNation’s digital brand, designed to strengthen loyalty and reach new audiences through portable, accessible formats.

Conclusion

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, one of America’s most influential broadcast companies. With its vast local network, Nexstar provides NewsNation with resources, journalists, and infrastructure to compete on a national scale.

Backed by strong institutional investors and visionary leadership, NewsNation is steadily growing into a trusted national news brand. Its ownership under Nexstar ensures financial stability, journalistic reach, and continued expansion into the future.

FAQs

Who owns NewsNation?

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., a publicly traded American media company headquartered in Irving, Texas. Nexstar owns, operates, and manages NewsNation through its Networks division, which also oversees The CW Network, Antenna TV, and Rewind TV.

Who owns WGN?

The WGN brand and WGN-TV in Chicago are also owned by Nexstar Media Group. Nexstar acquired WGN as part of its 2019 purchase of Tribune Media. WGN America, the former national cable version of the station, was rebranded as NewsNation in 2021.

Who’s behind NewsNation?

The network is backed and operated by Nexstar Media Group under the leadership of its founder, chairman, and CEO, Perry A. Sook. He is the driving force behind NewsNation’s creation and ongoing expansion as a 24-hour national news network.

Who created NewsNation?

Perry A. Sook and the executive leadership team at Nexstar created NewsNation as part of the company’s strategy to build a nonpartisan national news channel. The initial team, led by Sean Compton (President of Networks) and Michael Corn (President of News), launched the network in 2020 and officially rebranded it in 2021.

Who produces NewsNation?

NewsNation’s programming is produced internally by NewsNation Studios, with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. The network also draws content and reporting from over 200 Nexstar-owned local TV stations nationwide, making it one of the largest news production ecosystems in the United States.

Who is NewsNation affiliated with?

NewsNation is affiliated with Nexstar Media Group, which fully owns and operates the network. It also shares content and resources with Nexstar’s other media properties, including The Hill (for political coverage) and The CW Network (for cross-promotional programming and network partnerships).

Is NewsNation owned by Fox?

No, NewsNation is not owned by Fox. It is owned by Nexstar Media Group, an entirely separate company. While Fox Corporation owns the Fox News Channel, NewsNation operates independently and positions itself as a neutral, fact-based alternative in the cable news space.

Who is the founder of NewsNation?

Perry A. Sook, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Nexstar Media Group, is considered the founder of NewsNation. He spearheaded the transformation of WGN America into NewsNation in 2021 to create a national news network rooted in balanced journalism.