FCC approves foreign equity stake in Paramount deal with Warner Bros.

The short version

• The FCC approved Paramount's petition to allow up to 49.5% foreign ownership of its equity.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• Sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi are contributing roughly $24 billion through non-voting shares.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• Democratic critics raised concerns about foreign influence on newsrooms, though regulators concluded the funds will lack editorial control.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• The broader merger remains on hold pending a multistate antitrust trial scheduled for next March.[Variety]

Key facts

• The FCC approved Paramount's petition to allow up to 49.5% of its equity to be held by foreign entities, exceeding the typical 25% foreign ownership threshold.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• Sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi are providing roughly $24 billion in non-voting equity financing without governance rights.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• Paramount stated that the Ellison family and RedBird Capital Partners will hold 100% of the voting shares in the combined company.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• The FCC determined that the foreign investors will not be able to exercise influence or control over licensee decisions.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• The merger remains on hold because of an antitrust lawsuit brought by California and 11 other states, with trial set for next March.[Variety]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• FCC Signs Off on Middle East Investment in Paramount-Warner Bros. DealThe Hollywood Reporter metered
• FCC Approves 49.5% Foreign Ownership of Paramount-Warner Bros.Variety metered