Federal Judge Halts Nexstar-Tegna Merger Amid Antitrust Concerns

A federal judge in California, U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley, has granted a temporary restraining order to pause the $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, a decision that halts the integration of their operations for at least 14 days. This ruling follows a lawsuit filed by DirecTV, which argues that the merger violates antitrust laws and could lead to increased consumer costs and reduced local news coverage. The judge's order emphasizes that the potential harm to competition outweighs any benefits Nexstar might gain from the merger.

Judge Pauses Nexstar-Tegna Merger Over DirecTV LawsuitDeadline HollywoodThe DeskColorado SunThe Wrap

The merger, which would create a broadcasting giant controlling 228 stations and reaching 80% of U.S. television households, received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Department of Justice shortly before the lawsuit was filed. Nexstar has defended the merger, stating it is necessary to compete with major tech companies and to enhance investments in local news.

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DirecTV's lawsuit, supported by a coalition of state attorneys general from California, New York, and other states, claims that the merger would allow Nexstar to raise retransmission fees, which would ultimately be passed on to consumers. The lawsuit also raises concerns about the potential for newsroom closures and job losses in local journalism. In his ruling, Judge Nunley noted that DirecTV established a "likelihood of success on the merits" of its claims, indicating that the merger could lead to "irreparable harm."

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The FCC, in a separate filing, has urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to reject motions from merger opponents seeking to block the deal. The agency argues that the merger promotes competition and serves the public interest by allowing for greater investment in local news.

FCC Opposes Emergency Motion to Stay Nexstar/Tegna Merger

Critics of the merger, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have expressed strong opposition, labeling the FCC's approval as a "disgrace." Newsom criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for supporting the merger, arguing that it would concentrate too much media power in one entity. The opposition also includes concerns from various advocacy groups, such as the National Religious Broadcasters and Free Press, which have filed briefs supporting the stay against the merger.

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A hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2026, to determine whether the temporary restraining order will be extended until a full trial can be conducted. This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions in the media landscape, as traditional broadcasters face challenges from digital platforms and seek to consolidate in response.

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• “private benefits Nexstar could obtain by acquiring Tegna are outweighed by the harm to” — U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley

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• “This merger would create a massive concentration of market power,” — DirecTV's legal filing

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• “Approval of the merger promotes competition by ‘enabling a combined company to emerge as a stronger competitor’ in an increasingly challenging video marketplace for broadcasters.” — FCC General Counsel D. Adam Candeub

FCC Defends Nexstar-TEGNA Merger Approval in D.C. Circuit, Says Stay Would 'Needlessly Delay' Deal Benefits

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of media ownership and competition in the United States.

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