Nexstar-Tegna merger blocked

Judge Troy L. Nunley ordered Nexstar to cease combining its operations with Tegna until the legal challenge is resolved.

The merger would have created a dominant force in local broadcasting, raising fears of increased carriage fees and reduced competition.

Nexstar's attorneys argued that the deal had already been vetted by the FCC and DOJ, but the court found sufficient grounds to halt the process.

The decision is a significant setback for consolidation in the media industry.