Federal Judge Blocks Trump-Approved Nexstar–Tegna Merger

A federal judge has blocked a proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, halting what would have created one of the largest local TV station owners in the United States.

The Nextar-Tegna deal has faced legal challenges. (Photo: Nextar Media Group Facebook)

The consolidation of major media conglomerates has raised concerns about growing corporate concentration and political influence. Figures such as Rupert Murdoch and David Ellison have been cited by critics as wielding significant media power.

Nexstar and Tegna agreed to merge earlier this year after receiving regulatory approval under former President Donald Trump.

However, the deal has faced legal challenges.

A group of state attorneys general filed a lawsuit to stop the merger and recently secured a favorable ruling.

As reported by NPR, a federal judge blocked Nexstar’s takeover of Tegna pending an antitrust trial. If the company loses, it could be forced to unwind the $6.2 billion deal, which would add 65 stations to its portfolio.

NPR noted that the merger would give Nexstar ownership of 265 local stations across 44 states and Washington, DC, reaching roughly 80% of US households. Federal law generally limits national audience reach to about 39%.