A federal court has temporarily halted the $6.2 billion merger between media giants Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, citing likely legal victory for eight state attorneys general and DirecTV in an antitrust lawsuit. Judge Troy L. Nunley expressed concern that the merger would concentrate media ownership, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers and reduced local journalism, especially since the deal would give Nexstar control over numerous local affiliates across the US.

The deal, approved by the FCC last year, would have made Nexstar owner of 265 TV stations across 44 states, raising fears of monopoly and decreased competition. While Nexstar asserts the FCC and Justice Department already approved the merger and that it benefits local journalism, the court's order emphasizes the risk of increased broadcast fees and diminished programming quality. Nexstar has stated it will appeal the decision, arguing that all regulatory hurdles have been addressed.