Skydance and Paramount defend $8.4 billion merger against critics' objections

Skydance Media and Paramount Global are defending their $8.4 billion merger against opposition from critics. They urged the Federal Communications Commission to dismiss concerns raised by the Center for American Rights and others, calling them "unwarranted." The critics, including LiveVideo.AI, have raised issues about foreign influence and competition. Skydance and Paramount argue that these claims lack merit and do not demonstrate any harm that would justify blocking the merger. The merger, announced in July 2024, is expected to close in the first half of 2025. The companies are moving forward despite the objections.