New Orleans television stations WWL Louisiana and WGNO-TV are bracing for changes and possible layoffs due to the merger of broadcast giants Nexstar and TEGNA. Despite a temporary injunction from a federal judge preventing the companies from combining their operations, the Federal Communications Commission has approved the $6.2 billion deal. Despite this, employees at WWL and WGN have confirmed that planning is underway for the merger. Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said layoffs are expected as the company aims to become more efficient due to competitive pressures. The merger will give Nexstar, already the largest owner of TV stations in the country, a total of 228 stations in 44 states, enabling it to reach 80% of U.S. TV households.