Paramount Global and Skydance Media responded to critics of their pending merger, saying in a regulatory filing that they fail to show they’ll be harmed by the deal, and instead make demands that threaten free speech rights.

The deal, which is on track to close in the first half of 2025, is currently under review by the agency due to a required transfer of broadcast licenses

Skydance Media and Paramount Global on Thursday defended their planned $8.4 billion merger, urging the Federal Communications Commission to dismiss opposition from critics, calling them “unwarranted” and “meritless”.