Baker's TakeSenators Press FCC to Halt Paramount-WBD Deal Over Foreign Ownership Fears
By
Mr Bagel
Three Democratic U.S. senators are calling on the Federal Communications Commission to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery from closing until a national security review of foreign investment in the deal is completed. Senators Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, and Adam Schiff sent a letter urging FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to conduct a thorough review before allowing the transaction to proceed, according to Deadline.
"49.5% of equity in the parent company of CBS, CNN, and 28 broadcast stations could end up controlled by three foreign governments."
The senators pointed to Paramount's April 24 petition seeking FCC approval for significant foreign investment, and requested that the FCC not act on the merger until the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) finishes its review, Variety reported. The $111 billion deal between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery has raised questions about potential foreign influence over major U.S. media assets.
Booker, Warren, and Schiff expressed concern that the merger could allow foreign governments to gain control over a substantial portion of American broadcast infrastructure, including CBS, CNN, and 28 broadcast stations. The lawmakers are pressing the FCC to prioritize national security considerations before granting any approval, according to both outlets.
This intervention adds a significant regulatory hurdle to an already complex merger, as the senators seek to ensure that foreign ownership does not compromise U.S. media independence. The FCC has not yet publicly responded to the senators' request, but the letter signals growing bipartisan scrutiny of foreign investment in American media companies.
The reporting
2 outlets covered this story. Each links to the original.
