States Seek Court Block To Unwind Nexstar-Tegna Merger
Eight state attorneys general seek a temporary restraining order after the FCC and DOJ approved Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, which would reach about 80% of U.S. households.
Los Angeles TimesCalifornia attorney general asks judge to block Nexstar-Tegna merger
ARS TechnicaTrump FCC lets Nexstar buy Tegna and blow way past 39% TV ownership cap
NBC News8 states file emergency motion to block Nexstar-Tegna merger after FCC approval
BBC NewsTrump-backed television merger moves forward
Overview
Eight state attorneys general asked a judge for a temporary restraining order to freeze Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, according to court filings.
The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice approved the deal, and Nexstar announced it had closed the acquisition that would reach about 80% of U.S. households.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the merger illegal and vowed to fight it, while FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez said the approval lacked transparency, according to statements.
The combined company would include roughly 265 stations and would cover about 80% of U.S. TV households while owning about 15% of stations, the FCC said.
DirecTV filed a separate lawsuit and courts will weigh the states' emergency motion and any divestitures Nexstar agreed to as litigation determines whether the merger stands.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a problematic, rushed approval favoring political allies by foregrounding critical voices and dramatic timelines. They emphasize phrases like "rushed to please the president" and "near-record time," prioritize regulatory critics while omitting Nexstar/Tegna spokespeople, and place critical quotes early to shape the narrative.
FAQ
The merger is valued at $6.2 billion and would allow Nexstar to acquire Tegna, creating a combined company with roughly 265 stations reaching about 80% of U.S. TV households and owning about 15% of stations.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) approved the deal, with the FCC noting it would make Nexstar the largest owner of local TV stations in the U.S.
Eight state attorneys general, led by California AG Rob Bonta who called it illegal, sought a temporary restraining order to block or unwind the merger after court filings.
FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez criticized the approval for lacking transparency, and DirecTV filed a separate lawsuit against the merger.
Nexstar announced the acquisition had closed following FCC and DOJ approvals, but states are seeking a court block, with litigation to determine if it stands and any required divestitures.
