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Federal Judge Blocks $6.2B Nexstar-Tegna Merger Over Antitrust Concerns

4/18/2026

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Judge Blocks Merger

A federal judge blocked the $6.2 billion Nexstar Media Group–Tegna Inc. merger until an antitrust lawsuit is resolved.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley said eight Democratic attorneys-general and DirecTV are likely to succeed, arguing prices would rise.
The deal would create a company owning 265 stations across 44 states.
New York Attorney General Letitia James called the ruling a critical victory for fair competition in local TV.

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Judge Dismisses DOJ

U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy dismissed the Department of Justice (DOJ)'s lawsuit seeking voter data in Rhode Island, calling it a "fishing expedition."
She ruled the DOJ failed to provide a factual basis for its Title III demands.
The decision follows rulings in California, Oregon, Michigan, Massachusetts, and 24 states.
Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore said the ruling affirms states' rights to manage voter lists.

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Judge Blocks Merger

A federal judge blocked the $6.2 billion Nexstar Media Group–Tegna Inc. merger until an antitrust lawsuit is resolved.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley said eight Democratic attorneys-general and DirecTV are likely to succeed, arguing prices would rise.
The deal would create a company owning 265 stations across 44 states.
New York Attorney General Letitia James called the ruling a critical victory for fair competition in local TV.

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