Judge Halts Nexstar Deal After States Warn of Higher TV Costs
A federal judge has blocked Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, halting what would have created the largest local TV broadcaster in the United States.
The decision matters now because it challenges federal regulators who had already approved the deal, setting up a direct conflict over media consolidation.
According to the Associated Press and Reuters, U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley issued a preliminary injunction, finding that DirecTV and a coalition of eight state attorneys general are likely to succeed in arguing the merger violates antitrust law.
The deal would have combined roughly 265 stations across 44 states, reaching as much as 80% of U.S. households, far beyond traditional ownership limits.
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The ruling also orders Tegna to continue operating as an independent competitor while the case moves forward, leaving the merger in legal limbo.
“The merger would likely reduce competition and harm consumers,” Nunley wrote in his order.
The case highlights growing scrutiny over media monopolies, particularly concerns that consolidation could raise cable and satellite fees while shrinking local news coverage. Critics argue fewer independent stations could mean less editorial diversity and more centralized control over information.
Nexstar, which had already closed the deal after FCC and Department of Justice approval, said it plans to appeal the ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
The next phase will determine whether the injunction becomes permanent or if the merger can proceed under revised terms.
For now, one of the largest media deals in U.S. history remains on hold.
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