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.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
A federal judge has blocked a $6.2 billion merger of local television giants Nexstar Media Group and rival Tegna until an antitrust lawsuit is resolved.U.S. District Court Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley in Sacramento, California, made the ruling late Friday afternoon, finding that eight attorneys general and DirecTV were likely to prevail in their legal bid to stop the merger.The deal, announced last year and approved by the Federal Communications C…
Judge Temporarily Stops Nexstar-Tegna TV Station Merger
A federal judge in Sacramento, California, has blocked a $6.2 billion merger of local television giants Nexstar Media Group and rival Tegna until an antitrust lawsuit is resolved. The post Judge Temporarily Stops Nexstar-Tegna TV Station Merger appeared first on Conservative Angle | Conservative Angle - Conservative News Clearing House
Judge Issues Preliminary Injunction Against Nexstar-Tegna Takeover, Orders Nexstar to Halt Integration Plans
A federal judge in Sacramento has issued a preliminary injunction against Nexstar’s acquisition of Tegna TV stations as part of DirecTV’s lawsuit to block the merger of TV station groups. U.S. District Court Judge Troy Nunley of California’s Eastern District issued the 52-page ruling late Friday, siding with DirecTV’s argument that allowing Nexstar to move […]
Nexstar-Tegna Merger Put on Ice by Federal Judge, Bolstering Antitrust Concerns
A judge issued a preliminary injunction against the $6.2 billon Nexstar-Tegna merger on Friday in a major victory for DirecTV and a group of eight state attorneys general. “We’ve secured a court order halting the merger of Nexstar/Tegna while our case continues — a critical win,” Rob Bonta, attorney general of California, said in a statement. “This merger is illegal, plain and simple. The federal govt may have thrown in the towel, but we’ll keep…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
