A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2-billion acquisition of Tegna, preventing Nexstar from merging operations and keeping Tegna as a separately managed unit.

Plaintiffs warned the merger would form a broadcast behemoth, potentially driving up pay-TV costs and narrowing programming, while DirecTV cautioned about higher Nexstar-Tegna programming fees and broader price hikes.

Nexstar argued the deal would bolster station economics and enhance newscasts, but plaintiffs contended consolidation would harm consumers and local journalism; the judge noted a possible path to victory at trial.

The transaction would expand Nexstar’s footprint to control 265 stations nationwide, raising concerns about staff reductions and diminished local news presence in multiple markets.

Nexstar intends to appeal the injunction, and the court rejected Nexstar’s request for a $150 million bond to cover potential damages from delays.

The court barred Nexstar from influencing Tegna’s management and required measures to keep Tegna economically viable and independent within the merged entity; Tegna personnel retain control over strategic decisions, including negotiations with pay-TV partners and newsroom operations.

California and seven other state attorneys general, along with DirecTV, sued to block the merger on antitrust and consumer impact grounds, arguing reduced local competition and potential price increases and diminished local news offerings.

The injunction, issued by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley, takes effect on Tuesday and mandates Tegna remain a separate competitor with autonomous management and decision-making authority.