HARRISBURG, PA — A coalition of state attorneys general, including Pennsylvania’s top prosecutor, is seeking to undo a major broadcast television merger, arguing it could reduce viewing options and raise costs for consumers.
What This Means for You
- Fewer local TV station choices could be available if the merger stands
- Subscription costs for TV services could increase
- Ongoing court action may determine whether the merger is reversed
Attorney General Dave Sunday joined the multistate lawsuit challenging Nexstar Media Group’s acquisition of TEGNA, alleging the deal violates antitrust law — laws designed to prevent companies from limiting competition and creating monopolies.
The lawsuit argues the merger would combine two of the largest local television broadcasters in the country, potentially reducing competition in dozens of media markets, including parts of Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvanians have been declaring that enough is enough when it comes to rising TV service subscription costs,” Sunday said. “This merger would only push those budgets closer to breaking points.”
Why the Merger Is Being Challenged
Nexstar already operates more than 200 stations across 116 U.S. markets, while TEGNA owns 64 stations in 51 markets.
State officials argue that combining the companies would significantly reduce competition among local affiliates of major broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX — which are the primary providers of free, over-the-air television programming.
In 31 markets nationwide, both companies currently own competing stations. If merged, those overlapping operations could be consolidated, limiting consumer choice.
Impact in Pennsylvania
The lawsuit highlights potential effects in Pennsylvania markets, including Harrisburg and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
In those regions, Nexstar and TEGNA operate separate stations, including WPMT, a FOX affiliate in the Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York market, and WNEP, an ABC affiliate in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton market.
Officials argue that losing competition between these stations could affect pricing and the availability of local news, sports, and programming.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The merger was approved in March by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.
However, a coalition of states filed legal objections, and a federal judge has since ordered the transaction paused, preventing the companies from combining operations while the case proceeds.
The lawsuit also notes that the deal would allow Nexstar to reacquire certain stations it previously sold to TEGNA as part of a regulatory settlement tied to its earlier acquisition of Tribune Media in 2020.
Who Is Involved
Pennsylvania is joined in the lawsuit by attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, and Virginia.
The case will determine whether the merger can proceed or must be unwound under federal antitrust law.
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