A federal judge late Friday put a hold on the $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, a deal that would create the largest operator of local television stations in the country.
U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley in California granted a request from DirecTV, which argued in a lawsuit that the pending merger violates federal antitrust laws. Eight attorneys general, led by California’s Rob Bonta, filed a separate lawsuit on similar legal grounds.
“Plaintiff asserts Nexstar’s proposed merger with Tegna will drive up the cost of television service to tens of millions of Americans, shutter local newsrooms around the country, substantially reduce competition in dozens of local markets, and harm consumers,” Nunley wrote in his 24-page ruling.
Nunley issued a 14-day temporary restraining order and scheduled an April 7 hearing.
Nexstar declined to comment. Tegna did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of
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