Federal judge temporarily halts Nexstar-Tegna merger

(NBC, KYMA) - A federal judge temporarily halted the $6.2 billion Nexstar-Tegna merger, which would have created the largest U.S. local TV station operator.

Chief U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley ordered the companies to keep assets separate pending an antitrust review, following a lawsuit by DirecTV.

Judge Nunley, according to NBC News, issued a 14-day temporary restraining order, and a hearing is set for April 7.

The deal had closed March 19 with approval from both the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and Justice Department approval.

Prior to the FCC approving the merger, eight state attorneys general sued to block it, with the lawsuit claiming the merger violates federal antitrust law.

Nexstar and Tegna did not respond for comment.