FCC CLEARS GULF FUNDS TO OWN HALF OF PARAMOUNT-WARNER

The Federal Communications Commission greenlit foreign investment in the combined media giant, allowing Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations to hold substantial stakes alongside the Ellison family. The approval marks a significant moment for media consolidation and foreign ownership rules. The merged entity will control major film studios, streaming platforms, and broadcast networks. Gulf wealth funds have increasingly invested in Western media and entertainment assets. This decision reflects evolving FCC standards on foreign ownership limits for broadcast licensees, which typically cap foreign stakes at 20%, though exceptions exist for specific corporate structures. The deal still requires additional regulatory approvals. Industry analysts note the consolidation will reshape competitive dynamics in streaming and traditional media, affecting content production and distribution across North America.