A federal judge in California temporarily halted the $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna after a legal challenge raised antitrust concerns.

The ruling followed a lawsuit by DirecTV and a coalition of state attorneys general, who argued the merger could raise costs, reduce competition, and harm local news coverage.

The judge issued a 14-day restraining order and scheduled a hearing to further consider the case.

Although the merger had already been approved by federal regulators, critics said the approval process lacked transparency and bypassed a full commission vote, NBC News has reported.

Supporters of the deal argue it is necessary to sustain local journalism, while opponents warn it could concentrate too much control in the media market.