Five additional states have joined a federal antitrust lawsuit aimed at preventing the merger between Nexstar and Tegna, a corporate consolidation that would form the largest operator of local television stations in the United States. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is leading the legal challenge, announced on Thursday the participation of Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont as plaintiffs in this bipartisan effort.
Bonta stated, “This is not controversial stuff — this merger is illegal and will give Nexstar and Tegna the ability to control and raise prices, fire journalists, and dominate the media landscape.” He expressed his gratitude toward the newly joined states, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in battling the merger.
The states now involved join a coalition that already includes Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia, bringing the total number of participating state attorneys general to 13. Notably, the attorneys general of Indiana and Kansas are Republicans, while their counterparts from the other states are Democrats.
A preliminary injunction was issued by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley in California two weeks ago, which temporarily halts the merger as the case progresses. Bonta’s office hailed the injunction as a significant victory in their efforts.
Despite the ongoing legal opposition, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Justice Department approved the merger last month, garnering public support from former President Donald Trump. The FCC’s approval included a waiver of a rule that limits a single company’s ownership of television stations to a reach of no more than 39% of U.S. households. The combined Nexstar-Tegna entity could own 264 television stations, potentially reaching up to 80% of U.S. households, according to court documents.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, defended the waiver, stating it was “consistent” with the agency’s legal authority. In response to the merger, Nexstar CEO Perry Sook has emphasized the transaction’s necessity for maintaining strong local journalism in the communities serviced by the company.
