Paramount Skydance is challenging a lawsuit from 12 U.S. states seeking to block its $111 billion (reported elsewhere as about $110 billion) merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) is weak. Paramount filed opposition papers ahead of a hearing on whether to pause the deal, calling the challenge “one of the weakest merger challenges in modern antitrust history.” The states argue the combination would reduce competition and harm consumers and workers.

The states’ complaint, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, says the merger would concentrate control over film distribution and basic cable channels, among other concerns. Reported estimates in the coverage cite significant market shares after the transaction. California and other states seek to stop the deal pending court review, while the U.S. Department of Justice has cleared the merger, creating a split in oversight. Some outlets also note the broader political context around Democratic-led states and alleged closeness between industry figures and President Donald Trump.

Elsewhere, coverage says the deal has received approvals from regulators internationally, even as it faces ongoing legal pressure in the United States. CNBC quotes Bonta saying settlement would require “robust structural remedies,” indicating the parties’ positions are far apart. Industry and labor groups have also raised concerns about potential job and content impacts, while Paramount says the merger will improve output and reduce redundant costs.