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● LIVE Updated 2h ago · 8 sources tracked

'Outrageous': Sanders Slams FCC for Approving Saudi and UAE Ownership of Paramount-Warner Bros.

The Federal Communications Commission approved a request allowing foreign investment in a merged Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery entity. The ruling permits a 49.5% equity stake to be sold to investors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the decision as "outrageous," stating that Middle East dictators should not control American media. The approval was led by FCC Chair Brendan Carr.

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⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
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  • ✓ The FCC approved foreign investment in the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.
  • ✓ The approval allows for 49.5% foreign ownership of the merged company.
  • ✓ Investment is permitted from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
  • ✓ FCC Chair Brendan Carr led the approval process.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 8 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

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

Live updates

  1. FCC Approves Foreign Investment in Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

    The Federal Communications Commission approved a request allowing foreign investment in a merged Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery entity. The ruling permits a 49.5% equity stake to be sold to investors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the decision as "outrageous," stating that Middle East dictators should not control American media. The approval was led by FCC Chair Brendan Carr.

    Why it matters

    The decision impacts the ownership structure of a combined media giant formed by the merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. Foreign ownership limits in U.S. media are often scrutinized for national security and cultural influence. This specific ruling allows significant Gulf state funding to support the buyout.

    What is confirmed

    • The FCC approved foreign investment in the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.
    • The approval allows for 49.5% foreign ownership of the merged company.
    • Investment is permitted from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
    • FCC Chair Brendan Carr led the approval process.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Senator Bernie Sanders claimed that Middle East dictators should not control American media.

    What to watch next

    • Legal challenges to the FCC ownership ruling
    • Finalization of the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger
    Sources used for this update (8)
    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.
    8. alaska-native-news.com — ‘Outrageous’: Sanders Slams FCC for Approving Saudi and UAE Ownership of Paramount-Warner Bros.
    confidence 100%
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