US EditionFederal judge blocks Nexstar-Tegna TV station merger until antitrust lawsuit is settled
The ruling pauses the $6.2 billion deal after judges found the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on claims the merger would reduce competition.
- On Friday, U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley issued a preliminary injunction blocking Nexstar Media Group's $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, concluding the deal would diminish competition and violate antitrust laws.
- Despite federal approval from the DOJ and FCC, attorneys general and DirecTV alleged the merger would stifle local journalism and drive up consumer costs, creating irreparable harm.
- Judge Nunley noted the merger would allow Nexstar to own two or three 'Big Four' local affiliates in 31 markets, despite national ownership caps prohibiting any entity from reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households.
- The preliminary injunction takes effect Tuesday, April 21, 2026, forcing companies to keep assets distinct. Nexstar is expected to appeal, while investors boosted shares to $200.78 on Friday, above $200 for the first time since late March.
- CEO Perry Sook is scheduled to discuss the company at the NAB Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Plaintiffs have until April 30 to file an amended complaint as the legal battle continues.
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97 Articles
Judge temporarily blocks merger of local TV rivals Nexstar and Tegna
California Attorney General Rob Bonta.Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty ImagesA court has put a temporary block on the merger of Nexstar and Tegna.The local TV rivals are barred from combining operations until an antitrust lawsuit is settled.California AG Rob Bonta is among politicians opposing the merger, which he called "illegal."A federal judge in California has blocked the merger of local TV giant Nexstar and…
Judge Nunley Bars Nexstar From Integrating Tegna Pending Antitrust Trial
by Marcus Sterling - Federal judge halts Nexstar’s integration of Tegna until trialSacramento, California — A federal judge issued an order halting Nexstar’s integration of Tegna and directed Nexstar to operate Tegna as a separate company until an antitrust lawsuit is resolved. Chief ...
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