Nexstar Fights Tegna Merger Block; Blames DirecTV, AGs

Nexstar Media Group is actively contesting the federal judge's injunction that halted its $6.2 billion merger with Tegna in April. The Texas-based local television company has vowed to challenge the decision, which cited concerns over political influence during the Trump administration and antitrust issues. Nexstar's legal team argues that the injunction is a "cynical attempt to advance their own commercial and political interests" by DirecTV and a coalition of state attorneys general.

In its filings, Nexstar asserts that the injunction was improperly granted and that the court failed to adequately consider the significant pro-competitive benefits of the merger. The company contends that DirecTV, a major distributor of Tegna's content, has a vested commercial interest in preventing the merger, as it could lead to increased carriage fees. Nexstar also points to the involvement of state attorneys general, suggesting their actions may be politically motivated rather than purely focused on consumer protection.

The proposed merger, valued at $6.2 billion, would create one of the largest local television station groups in the United States. Opponents of the deal, including the Department of Justice and several state attorneys general, raised concerns that the combined entity could wield excessive market power, potentially leading to higher advertising rates and reduced consumer choice. The federal judge's injunction in April sided with these concerns, temporarily blocking the transaction.

Nexstar's appeal aims to overturn the injunction and allow the merger to proceed. The company maintains that the integration of Nexstar and Tegna's operations would result in significant efficiencies and enhanced local news programming. The legal battle is expected to continue, with Nexstar seeking to demonstrate that the merger would ultimately benefit consumers and the broader media landscape, despite the objections from DirecTV and the state officials.