Local TV Advertising Antitrust Litigation
The legal causation theory in MDL-2867 centers on allegations that broadcasters engaged in price fixing and collusive practices, exchanging sensitive market information to inflate advertising prices artificially. This conduct allegedly reduced competition, harmed advertisers, and increased costs, constituting a violation of antitrust laws.
15
Pending actions
23
Total actions filed
Active
Status
10/03/2018
Established
Filing deadline
The deadline for claims submission was October 26, 2023, following the final approval of the settlement. The initial case was filed on July 31, 2018, and the statute of limitations for federal antitrust claims is generally four years from the date of the alleged misconduct.
Who qualifies
Plaintiffs must have purchased broadcast television spot advertising directly from one or more of the settling defendants within the geographic markets covered by the case during the class period, which spans from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017. No explicit minimum spend or specific ad types beyond broadcast TV spots are detailed in publicly available documents.
Products involved
- Broadcast television advertising services
Alleged injuries
- Overpayment for local TV advertising due to collusive pricing
- Reduced competition in local TV advertising markets
- Increased advertising costs for businesses and advertisers
Bellwether trials
The case has reached significant procedural milestones, including the approval of a $48 million settlement in December 2023. There are no publicly reported concluded bellwether trials or verdicts as of the latest updates in 2026, but active proceedings and settlement negotiations continue.
Settlement landscape
The total settlement amount approved is approximately $48 million. The distribution involves claims submitted by eligible claimants, with payouts varying based on the extent of qualifying purchases. The detailed 'Plan of Allocation' has not been publicly disclosed but is presumed to be based on the amount of qualifying damages or expenditures.
Lead counsel
- Megan E. Jones (Plaintiffs' Lead Counsel) - McAngus Goudelock & Courie
This page is generated from the official JPML pending-MDL report and public court records, refreshed monthly. It is provided for attorney reference and is not legal advice.
