Angry investors in struggling broadcaster Ion Media Networks suffered a huge setback after a Delaware judge refused their request to halt a pending takeover by hedge fund Citadel Investment Group and NBC Universal.

“I am not convinced that the plaintiffs will suffer irreparable injury” if the deal is not permanently stopped, said Vice Chancellor Donald Parsons late Tuesday in a stinging rebuke to the investors, which include Gradient Partners and other hedge funds.

The investors, who own preferred stock in Ion, slapped the company with a lawsuit last month seeking to stop the planned takeover by NBC-Citadel, claiming it undervalues their stake and forced them into a deal that leaves them short.

“The court’s decision reaffirms what we’ve always believed – the transaction enhances Ion’s financial condition and benefits all Ion stakeholders,” NBC said in a statement.

Ratings for Ion have jumped over 30 percent under with reruns such as “The A-Team” and “The Wonder Years.”