Additional States Join Legal Challenge Against Nexstar-Tegna Merger

April 30 (Reuters) - Five more states have entered the legal battle against Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of rival broadcaster Tegna, following a temporary injunction issued by a judge. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, announced that Massachusetts, Vermont, and Republican attorneys general from Indiana, Kansas, and Pennsylvania will now be part of the antitrust lawsuit, which initially included seven states. The plaintiffs are arguing that the merger could significantly harm competition in numerous local television markets. U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley in Sacramento indicated on April 17 that the plaintiffs have a strong case, leading to an order preventing Nexstar from merging operations with Tegna while the legal proceedings continue, although the deal itself remains intact for now. The merger, which was approved by the Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission on March 19, is poised to create the largest broadcast group in the U.S., encompassing 80% of American households. Critics argue that this consolidation could lead to job losses, higher cable costs, and a detrimental impact on news and media distribution nationwide. However, Nexstar maintains that the acquisition will enhance local stations and bolster investment in community journalism. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)