A coalition of states has filed a lawsuit seeking to block Nexstar Media Group’s proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA.
The complaint argues the merger would reduce competition, raise costs for consumers and limit access to local news.
Attorneys general from multiple states, including New York, said the combined company would control hundreds of television stations and reach about 80% of U.S. households.
The lawsuit claims the deal would give Nexstar increased power to raise retransmission fees charged to cable and satellite providers, costs that are often passed on to customers.
Officials also raised concerns about the impact on local news coverage, saying the merger could lead to newsroom consolidation and fewer independent sources of reporting.
“Competition among local TV stations allows consumers to enjoy a variety of affordable options for quality coverage of news, sports, and more,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “This illegal merger threatens local news and could raise fees for consumers by combining hundreds of TV stations under the same owner. I’m suing to stop Nexstar’s illegal merger with Tegna to keep cable bills down and ensure New Yorkers can access the independent local news options they count on.”
The filing also argues that combining the two companies would eliminate direct competition in multiple markets and reduce choices for viewers.
In Central New York and surrounding areas, several television stations are already owned by Nexstar, including WSYR-TV in Syracuse, WROC-TV in Rochester and WENY-TV serving the Elmira market.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to block the merger, alleging it would violate federal antitrust law by substantially lessening competition.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.