Bipartisan AGs Fight Nexstar-Tegna Merger

0:00On May 1st, a bipartisan crew of state attorneys general is wrapping up the battle against the next star Tecna merger now with 13 states on board, including three new Republicans from Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Indiana joining 10 Democrats. Earlier this week, two more Democrat-led states hopped in, making this the biggest push yet to stop the $6.2 billion deal that would, merged the top and third largest local TV broadcasters in the country. If it goes through, next star would run 264 stations reaching up to 80% of U.S. households owning more than CVS and BC. Fox and ABC combined, sparking fears of skyrocketing cable bills and weaker local news. Critics say this consolidation hits consumers hard with higher fees passed from providers like direct TV, plus potential job cuts for journalists, and less competition in 31 media markets where the companies overlap. A federal judge already hit pause with a preliminary injunction, folding in direct TV's

1:02lawsuit, too, even after FCC and Justice Department nods, leaving. The whole thing in limbo as courts weigh if media giants are squeezing out diversity and fair prices. Stay informed with U.S. News Today, AI-powered updates. I'm Cory with the story.