Federal judge signals intent to block Nexstar-Tegna TV station merger

Ruling could halt $6.2 billion deal that would create nation's largest station group

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:52am

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A federal judge in Sacramento appears poised to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the $6.2 billion merger between TV station groups Nexstar Media and Tegna. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley signaled he is concerned the deal would violate antitrust laws by giving Nexstar too much control over local TV stations, diminishing diversity and quality of news coverage.

Why it matters

The proposed Nexstar-Tegna merger has drawn scrutiny from state attorneys general and DirecTV, who argue it would reduce competition and lead to layoffs and programming blackouts that harm consumers. The judge's skepticism of the deal reflects broader concerns about consolidation in the local TV news industry as viewers and advertisers shift to digital platforms.

The details

At a two-hour hearing, Judge Nunley indicated he is prepared to issue a preliminary injunction to prevent Nexstar and Tegna from combining operations while the legal challenge continues. California Deputy Attorney General Laura Antonini argued the merger would reduce diverse viewpoints in local news, which is "extremely harmful to democracy." Nexstar attorney Alexander Okuliar disputed claims that local newsrooms would be shuttered, saying the deal aims to "protect local journalism." Nexstar contends the merger would strengthen station economics and allow for expanded news coverage.

  • On March 27, Judge Nunley issued a temporary restraining order to pause the merger.
  • On April 8, the judge held a hearing and signaled he would issue a written order on the preliminary injunction by Friday.

The players

Troy L. Nunley

U.S. District Court Chief Judge who is presiding over the case and appears poised to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger.

Nexstar Media Group

The Texas-based TV station group that is seeking to acquire rival Tegna in a $6.2 billion deal.

Tegna

The TV station group that Nexstar is seeking to acquire, which would create the nation's largest station group if the merger is approved.

Rob Bonta

California Attorney General leading a coalition of eight state attorneys general suing to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger.

DirecTV

The pay-TV provider that has separately sued to block the merger, alleging it would lead to higher prices and programming blackouts.

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What they’re saying

“That's extremely harmful to democracy and to the citizens of this state.”

— Laura Antonini, California Deputy Attorney General

“One of the reasons for this deal is to protect local broadcasters, to protect local journalism.”

— Alexander Okuliar, Nexstar attorney

What’s next

Judge Nunley is expected to issue a written order on the preliminary injunction by Friday, April 12.

The takeaway

The judge's skepticism of the Nexstar-Tegna merger reflects broader concerns about consolidation in local TV news and its impact on the diversity and quality of news coverage. The case highlights the tension between media companies seeking scale and regulators/competitors worried about reduced competition.