Las Vegas Newspaper Ordered to Continue Printing Rival

Federal judge blocks Review-Journal from ending joint operating agreement with Las Vegas Sun

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:49pm

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A federal judge has ordered the Las Vegas Review-Journal, once owned by the late casino magnate and GOP donor Sheldon Adelson, to continue printing a rival newspaper, the Las Vegas Sun, while the court reviews their joint operating agreement in an antitrust case.

Why it matters

This ruling preserves the status quo in the Las Vegas media market, where the Review-Journal and Sun have operated under a joint agreement for decades. The case raises questions about media consolidation and the ability of smaller publications to compete against larger rivals, especially in local markets.

The details

Judge Anne R. Traum of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada ruled that the Las Vegas Sun has shown a likelihood of irreparable harm if the Review-Journal were allowed to end their joint operating agreement. The agreement has allowed the two papers to share printing, distribution, and other operational costs while maintaining editorial independence.

  • The ruling was issued on March 13, 2026.

The players

Las Vegas Review-Journal

A daily newspaper formerly owned by the late casino magnate and GOP donor Sheldon Adelson.

Las Vegas Sun

A left-leaning daily newspaper that has operated under a joint agreement with the Review-Journal for decades.

Judge Anne R. Traum

A judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada who issued the ruling in this case.

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What they’re saying

“The Sun has shown a likelihood of irreparable harm if interim injunctive relief is not granted.”

— Judge Anne R. Traum

What’s next

The federal judge will continue to review the joint operating agreement between the Review-Journal and Sun as the broader antitrust case proceeds.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the challenges facing smaller media outlets in local markets, where they may rely on joint operating agreements to compete against larger, better-resourced rivals. The case could have broader implications for media consolidation and the ability of diverse voices to thrive in local news ecosystems.