Judge Blocks Nexstar's Acquisition of Tegna TV Stations

Preliminary injunction halts Nexstar's integration plans amid lawsuit from DirecTV

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:06am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of legal documents, a gavel, and a TV remote control arranged elegantly on a clean, white background, conceptually representing the abstract corporate strategy and legal battles surrounding media mergers.A court ruling halts the integration of two major TV station groups, underscoring the legal complexities and public interest concerns around media consolidation.Seattle Today

A federal judge in California has issued a preliminary injunction to block Nexstar's acquisition of TV station group Tegna, siding with a lawsuit filed by DirecTV that argued the merger would bring 'irreparable harm'. The ruling orders Nexstar to halt all integration efforts with Tegna's 64 stations, despite the deal already receiving regulatory approval from the FCC and Justice Department.

Why it matters

The decision is a major setback for Nexstar, the nation's largest TV station owner, and could have broader implications for media consolidation and the future of local news. The judge cited concerns over reduced competition, newsroom layoffs, and higher content prices for consumers if the merger were to proceed.

The details

U.S. District Court Judge Troy Nunley issued the 52-page ruling, granting DirecTV's request for a preliminary injunction. Nexstar had moved forward with acquiring Tegna on March 19, despite the ongoing litigation, in a gamble that the FCC's ownership rules would be changed to allow the deal. However, the judge sided with DirecTV's argument that Nexstar's integration efforts would make it difficult to later divest the Tegna stations if the merger is ultimately blocked.

  • On March 27, Judge Nunley granted a temporary restraining order against Nexstar's integration of Tegna.
  • On April 15, Judge Nunley issued the preliminary injunction to halt Nexstar's integration plans.

The players

Troy Nunley

A U.S. District Court Judge in California's Eastern District who issued the preliminary injunction against Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna.

Nexstar Media Group

The nation's largest TV station owner, which announced the acquisition of Tegna in March 2026.

Tegna

A TV station group that owns Big Four network affiliate stations in major and medium-sized markets across the U.S.

DirecTV

The satellite TV provider that filed a lawsuit to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger, arguing it would bring 'irreparable harm'.

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What they’re saying

“This transaction closed more than four weeks ago following receipt of all required regulatory approvals from the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. Nexstar Media Group now owns Tegna and has taken steps consistent with the Court order that has been in effect.”

— Nexstar Media Group

“We commend the court's decision, which reinforces the coalition of states' and our shared belief that unchecked station consolidation will force consumers to pay more for less by reducing the quality and variety of local news coverage, driving up content prices, and increasing the threat of station blackouts.”

— DirecTV

What’s next

Nexstar has vowed to appeal the preliminary injunction to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The takeaway

This ruling is a major setback for Nexstar's ambitious expansion plans and raises broader questions about the future of media consolidation and the impact on local news coverage and consumer prices. The judge's concerns about reduced competition and harm to the public interest could have ripple effects beyond this specific case.