Nexstar-Tegna merger blocked

Judge Trevor Nunley ruled that the integration of the two companies could cause irreparable harm to consumers by reducing competition in the local broadcast market.

Nexstar, which already owns hundreds of stations, had claimed the deal was already finalized, but the court ordered an immediate halt to all consolidation efforts.

The merger would have created a massive entity owning 265 television stations across 44 states.

The case is now set to proceed to a full trial to determine the long-term legality of the acquisition.