Bonta’s Merger Fight Gains Bipartisan Support After 5 States Join

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a growing bipartisan coalition challenging the proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc., with five additional states joining the lawsuit on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The states of Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Vermont have now joined the legal battle, bringing the total number of attorneys general involved to 13.

The lawsuit aims to block the $6.2 billion deal, which would create the largest broadcast station group in the United States. According to a press release from the California Attorney General’s office, the merger is expected to result in fewer people controlling broadcast programming, job cuts, increased cable bills, and a significant impact on the delivery of news and media content.

“Antitrust enforcement is not political — it’s about protecting working families and helping ensure the benefits of a vibrant economy are for everyone, not just well-connected corporations. Today, five additional states join us in our challenge of the Nexstar/Tegna merger, now making this lawsuit a bipartisan effort,”

Attorney General Rob Bonta

Attorney General Bonta initially led a coalition in challenging the merger last month. Shortly after, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California granted a preliminary injunction, halting the merger while the litigation proceeds.

Bonta further stated that the merger would give Nexstar and Tegna “the ability to control and raise prices, fire journalists, and dominate the media landscape.”

This case reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny of media consolidation. In September 2021, Attorney General Bonta joined a bipartisan coalition of 32 attorneys general in support of Congressional efforts to modernize federal antitrust laws, recognizing the need to update regulations in response to changes in technology and decreased competition.

The California Attorney General’s office anticipates a busy 2025, with continued focus on antitrust enforcement and protecting consumers. This case demonstrates Bonta’s commitment to challenging mergers that could harm competition and the public interest.