Judge halts Nexstar/Tegna merger after FCC let firms exceed TV ownership limit

March 31, 2026

TL;DR

A US judge ordered Nexstar Media Group and Tegna to immediately cease integrating their assets and operations.
The temporary restraining order was issued at the request of DirecTV, which argued the merger would reduce competition and harm consumers.
Judge Troy Nunley agreed that integration could lead to newsroom layoffs, station shutdowns, and make divestitures difficult if required.
The merger, approved by the Trump administration, FCC, and DOJ, is also being challenged by advocacy groups and several state attorneys general.
DirecTV argues the deal gives Nexstar more leverage to demand higher retransmission fees, potentially increasing TV service costs and leading to blackouts.
Concerns exist about Nexstar exceeding national TV ownership limits, despite an FCC waiver and a UHF discount.
The judge found DirecTV's antitrust claim under the Clayton Act likely to succeed, citing evidence of substantial market share in numerous local markets.
The hold-separate order requires Nexstar to keep Tegna operating as a separate, independently managed business, maintaining its pre-merger staff levels and operations.
Nexstar must respond to a potential preliminary injunction by April 1, with a hearing scheduled for April 7.

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