US EditionEight States Sue to Block Nexstar's Plan to Acquire Rival Tegna
A coalition of eight states argues the merger would reduce competition in local TV markets and raise consumer cable bills by increasing retransmission fees, covering 80% of U.S. households.
- Late Wednesday, eight states filed a federal antitrust lawsuit in Sacramento to block Nexstar's proposed $6.2 billion takeover of Tegna, arguing it violates federal laws.
- The states argue the deal violates Section 7 of the Clayton Antitrust Act, as the combined holdings would exceed the FCC's 39% ownership cap and reach more than 80% of U.S. households.
- The complaint highlights retransmission consent fees increased over 5,000% from $214.6 million in 2006 to an estimated $11.9 billion in 2025, with Michael Hartman stating 'DIRECTV supports the action taken by the states and has determined it is necessary to join this effort to protect competition and consumers'.
- The state action will likely slow Nexstar's months-long push to acquire Tegna, and a virtual press conference at 10:30 a.m. ET Thursday will publicize the filing.
- The Justice Department is reviewing the merger, despite support from FCC Chair Brendan Carr and President Donald Trump, with Nexstar cooperating by providing over 2 million documents.
63 Articles
63 Articles
Eight States Sue to Block $6.2 Billion Nexstar–Tegna Deal
Eight states led by California sued on March 18 to stop Nexstar Media Group’s proposed $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna Inc., saying the deal would concentrate local TV ownership and harm consumers. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement that if allowed to proceed, the merger would create the largest broadcast station group in the United States, “putting more broadcast programming in the hands of fewer people.” He added that the…
Oregon joins lawsuit to block Tegna, Nexstar merger
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a lawsuit to block Nexstar Media Group Inc. from buying Tegna Inc., a deal which would create the largest local broadcaster in the country and impact local news across the state. Nexstar owns KOIN-TV in Oregon. Tegna owns KGW-TV. KOIN, the CBS affiliate based in Portland, and KGW, the NBC affiliate in the same city, are competitors.“Right now, when you flip between KGW and KOIN, you’re getting two diff…
Oregon sues to stop merger of KGW and KOIN’s parent companies
Oregon’s attorney general joined his colleagues in seven other states and DirecTV Thursday, suing to block the merger of local television giants Nexstar Media Group and rival Tegna, arguing that it will lead to higher prices for consumers and stifle journalism.
Associated Press News
Eight states, DirecTV sue to block merger of local television owners Nexstar and Tegna
Attorneys general in eight states, including California, New York and Illinois, and DirecTV are filing lawsuits seeking to block the merger of Nexstar Media Group and its rival Tegna.
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