8 states sue to block Nexstar, Tegna merger

The Hill
by Dominick Mastrangelo
March 19, 2026
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3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Eight state attorneys general sue to block merger between major broadcast companies Nexstar and Tegna.

How This Affects You

If the merger proceeds, you may have fewer independent local news sources in your area, potentially reducing coverage of local issues affecting your community.

AI Summary

Eight state attorneys general have filed suit to block a proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, two major local broadcast companies. The deal would create the largest local broadcast group in the country if approved by the Trump administration, consolidating control over local news programming across multiple markets. The states' legal challenge reflects growing antitrust concerns about media consolidation and its potential impact on local journalism and competition. The merger would significantly expand Nexstar's already dominant position in local television broadcasting nationwide. The lawsuit sets up a conflict between the administration's approval and state-level regulatory efforts to limit broadcast concentration.

What's Being Done

Eight state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit to block the merger.

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