US Edition
Eight 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.
102 Articles
102 Articles
The applicants argue that business would create the largest group of U.S. issuers, with more programming in the hands of less people, employment cuts and increased TV accounts
The Sanford Herald
Antitrust violation cited in litigation against Nexstar, Tegna
(The Center Square) – North Carolina has joined antitrust litigation filed in California seeking to block Nexstar’s $6.2 billion acquisition of rival Tegna, a move Attorney General Jeff Jackson says will send cable and satellite bills rocketing higher while local…
Eight states, DirecTV sue to block merger of local television owners Nexstar and Tegna - The Morning Sun
Attorneys general in eight states and DirecTV have filed lawsuits 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. Nexstar announced last August that it would buy Tegna for $6.2 billion. If approved by the Trump administration, the deal would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 40 states and the District of Columbi…
Chicago Tribune
Eight state attorneys general file suit to block TV station group merger
A group of attorneys general are taking legal action to block Nexstar Media Group’s proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna’s TV stations, calling the deal bad for consumer cable bills and local journalism.
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