Federal judge in California extends temporary restraining order on Nexstar-Tegna merger

(NBC, KYMA) - A federal judge in California has extended the temporary restraining order already in place for the merger between TV station owners Nexstar Media Group and Tegna.

U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley extended the pause for an additional seven days to provide time for him to determine whether a longer injunction is needed.

The extension is ordered through April 17 in a $6.2 billion deal that would create the largest operator of local television stations in the country.

Eight state attorneys general and DirecTV have sued to block the merger between the local television giants, arguing that it violates federal anti-trust laws.

The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice have both approved the merger.

President Donald Trump has also publicly backed the deal.