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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 7 sources tracked

FCC lets Paramount sell 49.5% equity stake to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar

The US Federal Communications Commission approved a request for Paramount to sell a 49.5% equity stake to investors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. This decision allows indirect ownership by Gulf funds as part of a buyout involving Warner Bros. Discovery. While the regulatory body has signed off on the Middle East investments, the move has drawn criticism from Senator Bernie Sanders, who described the approval as outrageous.

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⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
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  • ✓ The FCC approved 49.5% foreign ownership of the Paramount-Warner Bros. entity.
  • ✓ Investors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are permitted to hold an equity stake.
  • ✓ The FCC granted an indirect ownership request for Gulf funds regarding the Warner Bros. Discovery buyout.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 7 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

The FCC granted Paramount's request for indirect ownership by Gulf funds in the Warner Bros. Discovery buyout.

Live updates

  1. FCC approves 49.5% foreign ownership of Paramount-Warner Bros. merger

    The US Federal Communications Commission approved a request for Paramount to sell a 49.5% equity stake to investors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. This decision allows indirect ownership by Gulf funds as part of a buyout involving Warner Bros. Discovery. While the regulatory body has signed off on the Middle East investments, the move has drawn criticism from Senator Bernie Sanders, who described the approval as outrageous.

    Why it matters

    The decision regulates the level of foreign control allowed in major US media conglomerates. It facilitates the financial restructuring of the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. entity through significant overseas capital.

    What is confirmed

    • The FCC approved 49.5% foreign ownership of the Paramount-Warner Bros. entity.
    • Investors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are permitted to hold an equity stake.
    • The FCC granted an indirect ownership request for Gulf funds regarding the Warner Bros. Discovery buyout.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Senator Bernie Sanders called the FCC approval outrageous.

    What to watch next

    • Official closing date of the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger
    • Further legislative or regulatory challenges to the foreign ownership stake
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. Reuters — US FCC approves foreign investment in Paramount Warner merger
    2. variety.com — FCC Approves 49.5% Foreign Ownership of Paramount-Warner Bros.
    3. The Hollywood Reporter — FCC Signs Off on Middle East Investments in Paramount-Warner Bros Deal
    4. Los Angeles Times — FCC approves foreign owners for a merged Paramount-Warner Bros.
    5. Ars Technica — FCC lets Paramount sell 49.5% equity stake to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar
    6. AP News — FCC grants Paramount's indirect ownership request for Gulf funds in Warner Bros. Discovery buyout
    7. Common Dreams — 'Outrageous': Sanders Slams FCC for Approving Saudi and UAE Ownership of Paramount-Warner Bros.
    confidence 100%
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