On Friday, the FCCs Media Bureau issued an order sending the transaction to the judge for a hearing.
The bureau took issue with the transactions potential to raise consumer prices and to result in layoffs.
In a statement, Standard Generals managing partner Soo Kim said, A decision delayed is a decision denied.
Courtesy
Our proposed transaction is consistent with all FCC regulations and precedent.
He called on the commission to vote now on the transaction and render a decision on the merits.
Shares of Tegna were down more than 20% in trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Mergers need an affirmative majority vote to get the regulatory greenlight.
A spokesperson for Standard General did not immediately return a request for comment.
The proposed merger is opposed by a number of public interest groups as well as NewsGuild CWA.
It also said that its D.C. newsroom would supplement and enhance local news offerings and not replace that content.
The FCC announced its decision after the market close.
Shares in Tegna plunged 25% in after-hours trading.
Tribune backed out of the transaction the next month.
Dade Hayes contributed to this report.
