California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a coalition of eight states in a lawsuit seeking to block Nexstar Media Group’s proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna Inc., warning the deal would significantly consolidate control over local television markets.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues the merger would combine the nation’s largest and third-largest broadcast station owners into a single entity reaching roughly 80% of U.S. television households, far exceeding the longstanding federal cap of 39%.

Bonta and the coalition contend that the level of concentration violates federal antitrust law, specifically Section 7 of the Clayton Act, which prohibits mergers that substantially lessen competition or create monopolies. The complaint highlights concerns that the combined company would control multiple major network affiliates, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox stations, in key markets across the country.

Attorneys general from New York, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Virginia joined the lawsuit, signaling broad concern over the potential impact on competition and local media access.

Critics of the deal, including conservative organizations and media groups, argue the merger would lead to higher costs for consumers and advertisers while centralizing control over local news. Opponents have also raised concerns about the influence such consolidation could have on political coverage and public discourse.

Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik has been a leading congressional voice against the merger, warning it would give Nexstar “a near-monopoly over many Americans’ local news.” She has also argued that the Federal Communications Commission lacks the authority to override the national ownership cap without congressional approval.

The lawsuit further alleges the merger could result in newsroom layoffs and reduced local coverage, citing past staffing cuts following similar acquisitions. In markets such as Sacramento and San Diego, the combined company would control a significant share of major network-affiliated stations, raising additional concerns about diminished competition.

The Federal Communications Commission is expected to play a central role in determining the merger’s fate, as it has the authority to block transactions deemed not in the public interest.

With legal challenges mounting and political opposition growing, the Nexstar-Tegna deal now faces significant hurdles before it can move forward.