American media financer and producer
A coalition of 12 U.S. states has secured a 14-day pause on Paramount’s $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, pending a ruling on a preliminary injunction. The deal remains under antitrust review globally as regulators weigh competition, pricing, and content implications for theaters, networks, and streaming platforms.
The European Commission has cleared Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery’s merger after Paramount agrees to terminate a distribution joint venture with Universal in Europe and to refrain from joint distribution deals with Universal or Disney for 10 years. The approval comes with a 13-month unwind window for the Universal arrangement. US regulators remain weighing the merger, with a court pause and potential injunction ongoing.
The European Commission has approved a Paramount-Warner merger with conditions, saying competition persists in film production and streaming but warns over theatrical distribution. Paramount must divest its UIP stake and end its partnership with Universal within deadlines; the approval emphasizes consumer choice and scale to compete with tech platforms. U.S. regulators pause the case as states challenge the merger; a preliminary injunction hearing is slated for Aug. 3.
Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery has been paused amid a flurry of antitrust challenges from U.S. states and industry groups. CEO David Ellison has publicly defended the deal, arguing independence for CNN and CBS News, and detailing commitments to keep production flowing if the deal proceeds.
CBS Evening News has seen ratings improve with a substitute anchor, Matt Gutman, delivering best performance in 17 weeks as Tony Dokoupil recovers from fluctuations in viewership. Independent confirms Gutman’s temporary boost, while The Guardian notes ongoing challenges for Bari Weiss’s leadership and 60 Minutes changes amid a broader network transition.
Paramount has signalled willingness to engage with California and other states over the Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The company is preparing for possible relocation if settlement talks fail, while regulators press to block the deal on antitrust grounds. A March trial remains in focus, with ticking fees looming as the company seeks a path forward.
California and 11 other states have filed suit to block Paramount's $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing it would reduce competition and raise prices. A new round of talks has been underway, with a focus on structural remedies; state officials say robust concessions are required, while Paramount warns of ticking fees and potential relocation pressures.
President Donald Trump has said NBCMeet the Press host Kristen Welker will be reported to the Federal Communications Commission for what he called a "purposeful inaccuracy" after she said his endorsements have had "mixed results" this primary season. He named FCC chair Brendan Carr and urged the commission to act; broadcasters and rights groups are litigating alleged FCC pressure.
The latest Star Trek series has been cancelled after a brief run, sparking renewed debate about the franchise’s direction and its cultural relevance. Critics argue the show was sidelined amid shifts in ownership and audience tastes, while supporters point to ongoing diversity goals and science-fiction storytelling.
Star Trek’s 60th anniversary is marred by debate over inclusivity and the franchise’s future. Multiple outlets report on cancellation of a Paramount+ series, with actors defending the franchise’s progressive values while critics question its current direction. Readers are watching closely as sponsors and fans weigh the franchise’s next moves.
South Park has announced a name change to South America for its 29th season, in a move that mirrors President Trump’s recent renaming attempts for lakes, gulf and even a state. The show’s creators say the rename is inspired by Apple and Google and thanks Paramount Skydance, as the merger and regulatory backdrop grow.
The creators of South Park have announced that the show will officially be known as SOUTH AMERICA for its 29th season, a move inspired by Apple and Google renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America. The announcement comes as Donald Trump has pushed for names changes in U.S. maps and fronts a broader political clash with Canada and tech platforms.
Oracle founder Larry Ellison has canceled a plan to sell up to 50 million Oracle shares, a move disclosed in regulatory filings. The reversal follows a plan announced in June to sell stock under a 10b5-1 trading plan, which is now scrapped. Oracle’s push into AI infrastructure has coincided with rising debt and reduced cash flow, contributing to a stock decline this year.
The settlement clears the path for Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to merge, with protections for editorial independence and commitments to film production, while signaling a broader reshaping of Hollywood ownership.
Paramount has settled a multi-state antitrust suit over its $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, agreeing to distribute a set number of films annually and to safeguard CBS News and CNN’s editorial independence. The deal clears a major hurdle but integration and staffing questions remain as regulators, executives, and staff brace for the next phase.
A US judge has approved a consent decree that settles a 12‑state antitrust challenge and clears the way for Paramount Skydance to complete its takeover of Warner Bros. The five‑year settlement requires at least 30 US theatrical releases a year, separate cable negotiations, and independent editorial boards for CNN and CBS. Ynon Kreiz will join as co‑CEO on Oct. 5.
Paramount has completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and has rebranded the combined company as Skydance. David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz have been named co-CEOs; Ellison will lead creative and long-term strategy while Kreiz will run day-to-day integration. The deal closed after settlements with US states and other legal hurdles and begins trading on the NYSE under ticker SKYD.
The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery has closed, forming Skydance. The new group combines two historic studios with HBO Max and Paramount+, CNN, CBS News, and live sports networks under one umbrella. Executives say bundling options will roll out while rapid cost cuts are planned; the company aims to compete with Disney, Netflix, and Amazon as a global entertainment powerhouse.