Newsmax and DirecTV have joined a growing legal challenge to the FCC’s approval of Nexstar Media Group’s merger with TEGNA, marking a significant escalation in the fight over what opponents call unprecedented broadcast consolidation.
The coalition filed emergency motions Saturday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Those filings seek to halt further integration of the deal while the court reviews the case. A separate petition asks the court to intervene immediately, arguing the transaction closed before meaningful judicial oversight could occur.
Newsmax and cable associations from six states contend the FCC’s Media Bureau approved the license transfer late Thursday. Nexstar then announced the deal’s closure roughly 15 minutes later. Opponents say that the timeline limited their ability to respond.
“Brendan Carr’s decision to rubber-stamp this deal opens the door to the most massive TV consolidation in history – and is an affront to both legal process and the rule of law,” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy said.
DirecTV formally entered the case on the challengers’ side, arguing the merger would exceed the 39% national ownership cap set by Congress. The company said Nexstar could reach more than 80% of U.S. households. It also warned that increased leverage could drive higher retransmission fees for distributors, costs often passed to consumers.
At the same time, a separate legal effort emerged in California. Eight state attorneys general filed for a temporary restraining order to pause the merger’s integration. They argue the deal would reduce competition, weaken local journalism, and increase consumer costs.
Opponents also question the FCC’s process — noting the Media Bureau approved the $6.2 billion transaction in less than four months without full Commission review.
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