BUSINESS

States File Suit Against Nexstar-Tegna Merger Approval

PUBLISHED Mar 19, 2026, 3:55 PM ET

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Sources: 9

Center 78%

Right 22%

Sources: 9

Raleigh, North Carolina — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson and seven other state attorneys general filed suit Thursday seeking to block Nexstar’s proposed acquisition of Tegna, arguing the consolidation would raise cable and satellite bills and reduce independent local newsrooms across multiple states. Washington — The filing follows FCC and DOJ approvals and Nexstar’s announced closing on March 19, 2026; Nexstar now controls roughly 260–265 stations and the FCC waived its 39% national ownership cap, prompting immediate litigation from states and DirecTV.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

August (previous year): Nexstar announces intent to acquire Tegna.
Weeks later: Federal appeals court vacates FCC top-four ownership rule.
Mid-March 2026: FCC waives the 39% national ownership cap and approves the transaction.
March 19, 2026: Nexstar announces it closed the acquisition of Tegna.
Hours/days later: Eight state attorneys general and DirecTV file federal lawsuits seeking to block the deal.

News Intelligence

The Nexstar-Tegna merger could impact your wallet. If the deal goes through, you might see higher cable and satellite bills. It could also mean fewer independent local newsrooms in your area. Check your provider's policies on rate changes.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7

Who Benefited

Nexstar and its shareholders gained expanded national reach, access to additional local stations, and potential advertising and distribution leverage following regulatory approvals and the transaction close, subject to pending litigation outcomes.

Who Impacted

Local viewers, independent newsrooms, pay-TV subscribers and competing distributors faced potential higher prices, reduced local newsroom diversity, and legal uncertainty as state attorneys general and DirecTV moved to block or reverse the consolidation.

Media Bias