North Carolina AG Sues to Block Major TV Merger

Jeff Jackson says Nexstar-Tegna deal would raise prices and eliminate local news in the state.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:42pm

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North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has filed a lawsuit to block Nexstar's proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna. Jackson argues the merger would raise cable and satellite TV prices and eliminate independent local newsrooms across the state. The deal would combine two major broadcasters, owning over 260 stations across 44 states and reaching about 80 percent of U.S. households.

Why it matters

This merger would significantly consolidate the local TV market in North Carolina, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and a reduction in independent local news coverage. As one of the most affected states, North Carolina is taking legal action to prevent the deal from going through.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that the combined Nexstar-Tegna company would own more than 260 stations across 44 states, reaching roughly 80 percent of American households - double the FCC's 39 percent national ownership cap. In North Carolina, the merger would impact over 2 million TV households in the Charlotte, Triad and northeastern regions, with Nexstar adding WCNC in Charlotte and WFMY in the Triad to its existing station ownership.

  • The lawsuit was filed on March 19, 2026.

The players

Jeff Jackson

The Attorney General of North Carolina who filed the lawsuit to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger.

Nexstar

A major U.S. local television broadcasting and media company that is proposing to acquire Tegna.

Tegna

A major U.S. local television broadcasting company that Nexstar is proposing to acquire.

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What they’re saying

“Nexstar wants to buy one of its biggest competitors, gain more control over local news stations and Sunday afternoon NFL broadcasts, and charge millions of North Carolina families more for television.”

— Jeff Jackson, North Carolina Attorney General

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant a preliminary injunction to block the merger while the lawsuit proceeds.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the growing concerns around media consolidation and its potential impact on consumers, particularly in terms of higher prices and reduced local news coverage. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for future mergers in the broadcasting industry.