Nexstar Media Group’s proposed acquisition of Tegna Inc. was announced in August 2025.
WASHINGTON — A coalition of eight states filed suit late Wednesday in U.S. District Court in California to block Nexstar Media Group’s proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA Inc. The states joining California in the lawsuit include New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia. The deal was announced in August 2025.
The lawsuit, filed in Sacramento under the antitrust provisions of the Clayton Act, asks the federal court to halt the merger. The California Department of Justice is also urging the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block approval.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the merger illegal, arguing it would lead to higher pay-TV prices, job losses, and less competition in local news markets. Executives from both companies have said the combination would expand local news coverage, strengthen digital offerings, and increase advertising opportunities for local and national brands.
Antitrust regulators will still have to decide whether the deal meets federal competition standards.
President Trump last month said he supports the merger, writing on Truth Social that a bigger Nexstar would balance out “the Fake News National TV Networks.” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said last month that he supports the deal, although it would require the agency to waive or change current television-station ownership rules. Federal law limits any one company’s reach to 39% of the nation’s television homes.
Nexstar currently owns or partners with more than 200 stations in 116 U.S. markets and operates The CW and NewsNation. TEGNA owns 64 stations across 51 markets.
A virtual press conference with four of the participating state attorneys general is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET Thursday.
TEGNA owns and operates this television station.
