Judge Blocks Nexstar-Tegna Merger

U.S. District Court Judge Troy Nunley has ordered Nexstar to immediately cease all integration plans with Tegna stations pending a full trial.

The judge ruled that consumers could suffer 'irreparable harm' if the two largest owners of local TV stations were allowed to combine operations, potentially leading to higher fees and reduced competition.

The deal had previously received approval from the FCC, but the court intervention throws the future of the massive broadcast merger into significant doubt.

Nexstar has argued that the acquisition is already finalized, but the injunction requires them to maintain separate operations for now.