GoKawiilFCC waives foreign-ownership cap, lets Gulf funds hold 49.5% of Paramount-WBD
The FCC has granted Paramount a waiver of its 25% foreign-ownership limit for broadcast licensees, allowing sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE to collectively hold up to 49.5% equity in the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery entity. The commission says the funds will hold non-voting stakes, so they won't exercise formal control over the 28 broadcast stations involved. The underlying petition had actually requested approval for up to 100% foreign ownership.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This marks a significant loosening of long-standing rules meant to keep foreign governments from influencing US media that use public airwaves, raising questions about whether large minority stakes from state-linked funds can be truly free of influence even without voting rights. It also sets a precedent that could open the door to even greater foreign ownership of American broadcasters in future deals.
- FCC waived its 25% foreign ownership cap for Paramount's 28 TV stations.
- Gulf sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE could hold up to 49.5% equity.
- The original petition sought approval for up to 100% foreign ownership, which was granted.
Source: engadget.com — Lawrence Bonk, 2026-09-18
Published there as: “FCC allows Gulf state wealth funds to own nearly half of Paramount-Warner Bros.”
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