The $6.2 billion merger of Nexstar and Tegna companies will create the largest local television station operator in the US. However, 13 state attorneys general led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a federal antitrust lawsuit claiming the merger is illegal and would create a monopoly in the media market. With the participation of the states of Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, the lawsuit turned into a bipartisan battle. Prosecutors state that the merger would give the power to raise prices and lay off journalists. US District Judge Troy L. Nunley temporarily halted the merger during the continuation of the case. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice had approved the merger, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stating that the rule waiver was legal. Nexstar CEO Perry Sook argues that the merger is important for the sustainability of local journalism.