Judge Halts Nexstar-Tegna Merger

0:00A federal judge in California just pumped the brakes on next-star media groups big merger with Tegna. After a long hearing, Judge Troy Nunley, held off deciding if next-star, can fully integrate the $2.5 billion deal that closed on March 19th. He already paused for two weeks back on March 27th, keeping Tegna running separate while anti-trust lawsuits play out. The merger got greenlights from the Justice Department and FCC, but states led by California and direct TV sued anyway. They say combining these giants would crush competition in dozens of TV markets nationwide, letting next-star reach over 80% of U.S. homes with 228 stations. Lawyers classed hard over impacts like skyrocketing fees, distributors pay for content. The judge noted those jumped from $9.64 per subscriber per month in 2019 to $19.30 by 20. Critics fear less local news variety while next-star calls that hype.

1:02Next-star argues deals happen nationally, not market by market, and streaming competition drives up content costs. They tell journalists awards in the FCC's public interest nod to fight back against claims of newsroom cuts. We'll hear soon if the halt extends as this battle shapes who controls your local TV airwaves. Stay tuned for the judge's order. Canada News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Corey with The Story.