DirecTV Sues to Block Nexstar-Tegna Local TV Deal on Heels of Antitrust Lawsuit From 8 States: ‘DirecTV and Its Subscribers Will End Up Paying More for Less’
DirecTV filed a federal antitrust lawsuit to block Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of rival broadcaster Tegna, claiming it violates antitrust laws and would harm consumers. The suit came just one day after eight state attorneys general filed their own lawsuit challenging the same deal. The proposed merger would create the largest local broadcast group in the country, giving the combined comedy-reality-hoax-hybrid-ret.html" class="story-link" title="‘Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat’ Review: Amazon’s Comedy-Reality-Hoax Hybri">company 265 stations covering 80% of the U.S.
The merger represents illegal consolidation that would cement Nexstar's dominance over local TV markets. DirecTV argues it would result in higher costs for pay-TV subscribers while states claim it would degrade local news coverage and raise consumer prices.
The FCC has endorsed the deal, suggesting regulatory approval at the federal level. The Trump administration appears supportive of the transaction, which proponents likely argue would create efficiencies and better compete in the evolving media landscape.
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DirecTV Sues to Block Nexstar-Tegna Local TV Deal on Heels of Antitrust Lawsuit From 8 States: ‘DirecTV and Its Subscribers Will End Up Paying More for Less’
Variety
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Nexstar and Tegna’s Local TV Megamerger Challenged by Eight States
The Hollywood Reporter
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Nexstar-Tegna Merger Faces Another Antitrust Lawsuit As DirecTV Sues To Block Transaction
Deadline
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8 states sue to block Nexstar, Tegna merger
The Hill
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Eight States Sue to Block Nexstar’s $6.2 Billion Deal for Tegna, Which Is Supported by Trump: ‘This Merger Is Illegal, Plain and Simple,’ California AG Says
Variety
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California And Other States Sue To Block Nexstar-Tegna Merger
Deadline