Analysts said skepticism was based largely on the political hurdles any such deal would face.

The deal has also faced opposition from a large group of states, whose attorneys general have actively been trying to stop it.

But the deal faces doubters in Washington and around the country.

The deal still faces government scrutiny here and in Europe.

Still, the deal could again face unexpected political scrutiny.

The new deal would then face a shareholder vote.

The move means the proposed deal will face substantial scrutiny on antitrust questions, a process that could take months.

The move means the proposed deal will face substantial scrutiny on antitrust questions.

A deal to merge all the stations would face an obstacle.

Any deal could face scrutiny from regulators in Washington.