Nexstar's $6.2 Billion Acquisition of Tegna Faces Legal Challenges
Nexstar Media Group's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna has been approved by federal regulators but now faces lawsuits from eight states and DirecTV over antitrust concerns.
Nexstar Media Group's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) on March 19, 2026, has encountered significant legal opposition. The merger, which would create a combined entity owning 265 television stations across 44 states and Washington, D.C., has prompted lawsuits from eight states and DirecTV, citing antitrust concerns.
Attorneys general from California, New York, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Virginia filed a federal lawsuit to block the merger, arguing that it would harm competition, raise consumer prices, and negatively impact local journalism. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, "This merger is illegal, plain and simple, running contrary to federal antitrust laws that protect consumers."
DirecTV also filed an antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleging that the merger would lead to increased consumer costs, reduced local competition, and more frequent blackouts during retransmission consent disputes.
In response to these legal challenges, U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley issued a temporary restraining order on March 27, 2026, halting the integration of Tegna into Nexstar. The order prevents the companies from proceeding with the merger until the court considers a preliminary injunction.
Nexstar has argued that the merger would enhance local programming and provide better service to communities. However, opponents contend that the consolidation would lead to job losses and diminish the diversity of voices in local media. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the court set to decide on the preliminary injunction in the coming days.