The U.S. Department of Justice has approved a massive $111 billion deal that would allow Paramount Skydance to take over Warner Bros. Discovery, setting up one of the largest media companies in the world.

The deal is led by CEO David Ellison and brings together major brands such as Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., HBO, CNN, and Max. Executives behind the merger say the combined company will be better able to compete with major streaming platforms and could cut more than $6 billion in costs through shared operations.

Supporters argue the move is needed as traditional media companies struggle to keep up with tech-driven streaming giants. Ellison has promised that the merged company will remain productive and release at least 30 films each year.

However, the deal is already facing public pushback. Around 100 protesters gathered Saturday in Beverly Hills for a “Block the Merger” event, according to Reuters. The group included writers, actors, crew members, and small business owners who say the merger could hurt jobs and reduce creative opportunities.

The event was part of a planned three-city tour called “Main Street vs. The Merger,” organized by advocacy groups and members of the Writers Guild of America West. Protesters warned that continued consolidation in the media industry could weaken what they see as a key part of American cultural influence.

Stand-up comedian Adam Conover spoke at the event and described the trend as a serious threat. “It’s about to die, and that’s why I feel so passionately about this issue,” he said.

Several political figures also appeared at the rally, including FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and former FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya. Gomez told the crowd that public pressure still matters despite frustration with federal actions.

“I know it’s exhausting, I’m exhausted,” Gomez said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “But it’s not time to be tired. It’s time to get inspired because your voices really do matter.”

Even with the protests, federal antitrust regulators appear ready to let the merger move forward. Paramount Skydance has argued the deal will not harm competition or creative workers.

Still, legal challenges may be coming. Sources told Reuters that several states, including California and New York, are preparing a lawsuit to try to block the merger. The outcome could shape the future of the media industry as consolidation continues to accelerate.

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