- California AG Rob Bonta, leading a group of eight Democratic AGs, sued to block Nexstar’s acquisition of TEGNA, alleging the deal violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act by stifling broadcast competition.
- According to the complaint, the proposed acquisition would create a “broadcasting behemoth” with control over 221 “Big 4” stations, giving Nexstar greater leverage to raise retransmission-consent fees for cable, satellite, and fiber providers — costs the states say would be passed on to consumers through higher bills.
- In an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order filed after the deal closed, the states said Nexstar consummated the transaction immediately after FCC approval and DOJ’s decision to end its investigation and asked the court to bar integration and require Nexstar to hold the acquired assets separate while the case proceeds.
- The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction blocking the merger, plus costs, fees, and other relief the court thinks proper.