Eight States Sue to Block Nexstar’s $6.2 Billion Deal for Tegna, Which Is Supported by Trump: ‘This Merger Is Illegal, Plain and Simple,’ California AG Says

By Todd Spangler

Todd Spangler

NY Digital Editor

Latest

• Eight States Sue to Block Nexstar’s $6.2 Billion Deal for Tegna, Which Is Supported by Trump: ‘This Merger Is Illegal, Plain and Simple,’ California AG Says 6 minutes ago
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Nexstar Media‘s proposed $6.2 billion takeover of local TV station rival Tegna is being challenged in court by eight state attorneys general, who argue that the merger represents an illegal consolidation of broadcasters that would raise prices for pay-TV customers and “degrade” local news coverage in communities nationwide.

Nexstar is the U.S.’s biggest local TV station group, with 201 owned or partner stations in 116 markets. Its deal for Tegna, which has 64 stations in 51 markets, would bring the combined company to 265 stations. Nexstar announced the agreement to buy Tegna last August — which would push its holdings well over the FCC’s 39% ownership cap. In November, Nexstar filed applications with the FCC that include a request for a waiver of the ownership cap. 

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