A federal judge in California has put the proposed Nexstar Media Group acquisition of Tegna on hold, preventing the deal from moving forward until antitrust claims are resolved. The ruling by Judge Troy Nunley of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California marks a significant development in a closely watched fight over consolidation in local television and broadcast markets.

The challenge comes from DirecTV and a coalition of eight state attorneys general, who argue the merger would lessen competition and ultimately raise costs or reduce choices for consumers and distributors.