On March 20, 2026, California and seven other states filed an emergency motion to halt the merger between Nexstar and Tegna, which would create the largest operator of local television stations in the United States [1]. The motion for a temporary restraining order was submitted less than a day after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) approved the $6.2 billion deal [1]. The states involved—California, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, New York, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Virginia—argued in a lawsuit that the merger violates federal antitrust laws and could lead to price hikes for consumers [1]. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, 'This merger is illegal, plain and simple, running contrary to federal antitrust laws that protect consumers. Nexstar/Tegna is not a done deal. I will not let these corporate behemoths merge without a fight' [1].
Nexstar announced Thursday night that it had received regulatory approval from both the FCC and the DOJ. The DOJ's antitrust division expedited the process by shortening the standard 30-day waiting period before notifying the companies [1]. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr explained that the agency waived a federal rule prohibiting a single company from owning TV stations reaching more than 39% of U.S. households, allowing Nexstar and Tegna's combined assets to cover at least 60% [1]. Carr defended the waiver, stating it was consistent with FCC authorities and would promote competition, localism, and diversity [1].
However, Anna M. Gomez, the lone Democrat on the FCC, criticized the approval process, citing a lack of transparency and public accountability. She noted that the merger was approved 'behind closed doors with no open process, no full Commission vote, and no transparency for the consumers and communities who will bear the consequences' [1]. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the deal last month, urging its completion to foster competition against national TV networks [1].
The merger comes as local TV operators face increasing competition for viewers and advertising revenue from digital platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok [1]. Nexstar and Tegna did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the emergency motion [1].
CONCLUSION
The emergency motion by eight states to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger highlights significant legal and regulatory opposition despite federal approval. With the deal poised to reshape the local TV landscape, concerns about antitrust violations and consumer impact remain at the forefront. The outcome of this legal challenge will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and could have substantial implications for media consolidation in the U.S.