Paramount and Skydance defend merger against claims of bias and foreign influence

Paramount Global and Skydance Media defended their $8 billion merger against critics who claim it may lead to liberal bias and foreign influence. They argue that opponents have not shown any harm from the deal and that their demands threaten free speech. The companies stated that proposed conditions from critics, including the Center for American Rights, could violate the First Amendment. They emphasized that Tencent, a Chinese investor, will hold only a minority stake in nonvoting shares after the merger. The Federal Communications Commission must approve the merger, and incoming FCC chair Brendan Carr has raised concerns about media bias. Paramount and Skydance have requested a prompt approval without conditions, countering claims made by other media companies.