Judge blocks Nexstar-Tegna merger

U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley issued a preliminary injunction, ordering Nexstar to cease combining its operations with Tegna until the legal challenge is resolved.

Critics of the merger claim the consolidation would lead to higher prices for consumers and reduced competition in the local broadcast market.

Nexstar attorneys defended the deal, noting it had already received approval from the FCC and the Department of Justice.

The court's decision represents a significant setback for the two companies' efforts to finalize the massive media acquisition.