Nexstar Media Group Inc. agreed to buy TV station operator Tegna Inc. for $3.5 billion in a deal that stands to dramatically expand Nexstar’s reach and test the Trump administration’s appetite for regulatory reform.

To close the deal, Nexstar will need approval from the Federal Communications Commission, which could cement its position as the biggest provider of local TV in the U.S.

Nexstar beat out rival Sinclair, which was offering between $25 and $30 per share, significantly above Nexstar's winning bid.