FCC Clears Foreign Capital for Paramount-Skydance Merger

The Federal Communications Commission has authorized foreign investment in the $110 billion Paramount-Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, while imposing strict limits on influence. The agency waived the traditional 25% ownership cap, provided that overseas backers remain barred from any voting power or control over the media conglomerate’s management.

Editorial·September 18, 2026·reads: 457

This regulatory clearance follows intense scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers regarding the potential reach of Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds within American media. Under the new terms, individual foreign entities may hold up to 20% equity stake, provided they do not sway content or executive decisions. U.S. national security officials vetted the arrangement to ensure the protection of domestic user data.

Despite the FCC’s green light and previous approval from the Justice Department, the deal remains in legal limbo. A federal judge has issued a temporary block on the merger, with a critical hearing scheduled for March. For now, Larry Ellison’s family and RedBird Capital Partners retain the controlling interest, maintaining their hold on the largest equity and voting shares as the litigation proceeds.

FCC Clears Foreign Capital for Paramount-Skydance Merger

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