Nexstar Media Group has asked a U.S. appeals court to expedite review of a lower-court order blocking its merger with rival broadcaster Tegna, saying the delay has cost tens of millions of dollars that cannot be recovered.
A California judge on April 17 temporarily blocked the $6.2 billion deal, challenged by a dozen state attorneys general and DirecTV.
The merger would create the largest broadcast station group in the United States, reaching 80% of households.
Nexstar wants the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to schedule oral arguments for August. A separate challenge questions whether the deal violates a federal cap on broadcast company size.
The company warns it faces irreversible loss of key employees and on-air talent, and degradation of critical business relationships. It says Tegna cannot implement necessary cost reductions while operating separately.
The states, led by California and New York, argue the deal would reduce local jobs, increase cable bills, and impact news delivery nationwide. DirecTV claims it would raise consumer costs and shutter local newsrooms.
The companies closed the deal quickly after DOJ and FCC approval on March 19. If the order stands, a trial is unlikely before 2027.
