A federal judge in California has blocked the $6.2 billion mega-merger of Nexstar Media Group and its competitor Tegna. The combined company would control 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C., making it the largest owner of local TV affiliates in the United States, controlling far more than the FCC’s ownership cap of 39%. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley ruled in favor of U.S. attorneys who sued to block the merger, agreeing it would likely increase costs, reduce competition and weaken local news coverage. Nexstar says it will appeal the ruling.