A campaign coalition opposing Paramount Skydance’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery says UK approval of the deal, secured only after concessions, strengthens US states’ antitrust challenge. It argues that remedies imposed in the UK demonstrate the risks are greater in the more concentrated US media market, where the combined company would have significant power in cable television.

Paramount pledged not to merge its linear channels with streaming services in the UK, to preserve separate editorial identities and staff for Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, and to protect Channel 5 News’ editorial independence. The Competition and Markets Authority, Ofcom and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy then approved the transaction; meanwhile California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general are challenging it in the US, with a hearing scheduled for March.