Nexstar Media Group’s proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna has been halted by a federal judge in California, freezing one of the most closely watched and politically charged broadcast mergers in the country.
In a ruling issued Friday, U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley granted a preliminary injunction, writing the deal is “presumed likely to violate antitrust laws,” according to the court’s order. The decision—following an earlier temporary restraining order—bars Nexstar from integrating Tegna’s stations or influencing its management while the case proceeds to trial.
The lawsuit was brought by a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general, who argued the merger would reduce competition across local television markets. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the ruling decisive, saying in a statement, “This is a critical win in our case. This merger is illegal, plain and simple.”
The challenge was reinforced by DirecTV, which filed a separate suit arguing the combined company would gain excessive leverage in carriage negotiations and violate antitrust laws, according to its complaint. Opponents have focused on Nexstar’s position as the largest U.S. local TV station owner, warning that acquiring Tegna would further concentrate control over advertising and local news distribution.
The deal has also drawn strong opposition from independent media. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy has actively challenged the transaction, arguing it would breach the FCC’s 39% national TV household reach cap. Newsmax backed emergency motions in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit seeking to halt the merger and challenge regulatory approvals. Ruddy has warned the deal represents “dangerous consolidation” that would harm competition and increase costs for consumers.
Nexstar has rejected those claims and said it will appeal. The company described the acquisition as a “pro-competitive transaction” that “will make local stations stronger and support continued investment in local journalism and fact-based news,” adding it will take its case to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
The ruling lands amid a broader surge in state-led antitrust enforcement. This week, state attorneys general also secured a major courtroom victory against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, underscoring their growing role in high-stakes competition cases. Following that verdict, former DOJ antitrust official Gail Slater wrote on X, “You made antitrust history today. You fought the good fight, you finished the race, and you kept the faith.”
State regulators are continuing to scrutinize media consolidation. Bonta and other attorneys general are reviewing Paramount’s pending transaction involving Warner Bros. Discovery assets, including CNN, with his office confirming a “robust review” is “ongoing.”
For now, Nexstar’s deal remains on hold. The appeal to the Ninth Circuit will determine whether it can proceed, but the court’s ruling signals a tougher path for large-scale media consolidation as state enforcers and courts take a more aggressive stance.
—JBizNews Desk
