Paramount

A coalition of 12 U.S. states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, is suing to block Paramount Skydance’s $110-111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, alleging it violates antitrust law by reducing competition in film distribution and cable channels. Paramount CEO David Ellison has threatened to relocate operations from California and offered to sell CNN as a concession, but the lawsuit remains focused on broader market control. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deal, with a trial set for March 2027 and ticking fees of up to $7 million daily.

26 reports · 8 sources · Updated Aug 25, 01:40 AM UTC

The FCC voted 2-1 on August 6, 2026, to repeal the 39% national broadcast ownership cap, replacing it with a case-by-case review. Chairman Brendan Carr argued the cap was outdated, while Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez and critics contend the FCC lacks congressional authority. Legal challenges are expected, and the move follows a halted waiver allowing Nexstar to acquire Tegna, raising concerns about media consolidation and political influence.

8 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 19, 06:21 PM UTC

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) cleared the £85bn merger of Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery, concluding it poses no threat to UK competition. The merged entity becomes the UK’s largest theatrical distributor but faces strong rivals like Disney, Universal, and Netflix. Concerns over children’s TV and streaming were dismissed due to market saturation. The deal has secured approval in 68 jurisdictions, but faces a U.S. lawsuit from 12 Democratic state attorneys general, with a trial set for March 2027.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 17, 03:58 PM UTC

The UFC has announced six official bouts for the 2026 Noche UFC event, scheduled for September 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The card celebrates Mexican Independence Day and will start early to avoid conflict with a boxing event featuring Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn in Las Vegas. Key matchups include Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Curtis Blaydes, Manon Fiorot vs. Alexa Grasso, Brandon Moreno vs. Joseph Morales, Tim Elliott vs. Édgar Cháirez, Kelvin Gastelum vs. Yousri Belgaroui, and JJ Aldrich vs. Regina Tarin. The main event has not yet been confirmed. The article provides detailed career histories for Grasso and Fiorot, both top-ranked flyweights. The main card begins at 5:00 p.m. ET, with prelims at 2:00 p.m. ET, streaming on Paramount+.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 09:32 PM UTC

Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada announced on July 28 that Paddington 4 is officially in development, with the Studio Canal film already moving forward. The announcement was made alongside a €1 billion investment plan by Canal+ starting in 2028 for French and European cinema, which will give the platform privileged access to new movie releases six months after theatrical release—a significant advantage over competitors like Netflix, which must wait 15 months. While a release date for Paddington 4 has not been set, key details have emerged: Hugh Bonneville has indicated he likely will not reprise his role as Mr. Brown, stating he believes the franchise can continue with other actors since 'it's all about the bear.' Armando Iannucci, known for The Thick of It, will write the script, and Paddington in Peru director Dougal Wilson is reportedly in talks to return.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:21 AM UTC

Chelsea's 2026/27 pre-season begins on Tuesday with a friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers at Accor Stadium in Sydney, marking Xabi Alonso's first public match as head coach. The game kicks off at 10:45 AM UK time. In the UK, fans can stream the match exclusively via Chelsea's platform CFC+. Australian viewers need a Paramount+ subscription as there is no free-to-air broadcast. Chelsea's 27-man squad includes senior players, academy talents like Landon Emenalo and Tayo Subuloye, Cole Palmer, and new signing Marco Pelestra. The article also promotes a Sky Sports bundle deal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:00 AM UTC

Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery faces conflicting regulatory reviews across the U.S., EU, and U.K. The U.S. Justice Department cleared the deal, but a California court issued a temporary restraining order, and the EU attached conditions. The delay, potentially until June 2027, could add $1.7 billion to the purchase price due to daily accruing payments to Warner shareholders. If the deal fails under regulatory circumstances, Paramount could owe a $7 billion termination fee, guaranteed by Larry Ellison. The article highlights the strategic positions: Paramount argues for the deal while Warner benefits from the delay's financial terms. Four regulators are reviewing the transaction with different focuses on market power.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:15 PM UTC

Paramount Skydance (PSKY) stock fell on Friday, July 25, 2026, following news that the media and entertainment company agreed to delay its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The stock has declined 39% year-to-date. The article, published by Barron's via Yahoo Finance, reports the market reaction to the merger pause, which impacts the broader media and entertainment sector. The delay raises questions about the strategic direction of both companies amid a challenging media landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:38 PM UTC

Paramount+ announced the release date of the animated series 'Avatar: Seven Havens' at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 on July 23, 2026. The show, the third original series in the popular fantasy franchise, will premiere globally on October 9, 2026. The first look teaser was also unveiled at the event. The series follows a young Earthbender named Pavi who discovers she is the new Avatar in a world where the Avatar is seen as a destroyer of humanity. She embarks on a journey with her separated twin sister to bring reparation to society. Created by Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, the voice cast includes Akshay Khanna, Major Curda, Sakina Jaffrey, Darren Barnet, Dianne Doan, and Dee Bradley Baker. The series consists of 26 episodes split into two 13-episode 'books,' all premiering at once. The story takes place after the events of 'The Legend of Korra.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:48 AM UTC

Paramount+ is planning to add micro dramas—short, vertical, soapy series with snack-sized episodes—to its mobile app in the coming months, according to an internal town hall presentation seen by Business Insider. The initiative aims to build 'mobile daily habits at scale' by recalibrating consumption behavior as audiences watch on the go. Paramount+ has already added a short-form video feed to its app, following a broader Hollywood trend. Netflix, Disney+, and Peacock have also embraced short-form content, with Peacock licensing shows from ReelShort. The move comes as Paramount Skydance deals with legal challenges to its Warner Bros. Discovery merger, which a federal judge temporarily blocked after a lawsuit by 12 states.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:45 PM UTC

Edgar Berlanga returns to the ring on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York to face Steven 'Bang Bang' Butler in a 10-round super middleweight bout headlining Zuffa Boxing 09. The event streams exclusively on Paramount+, with prelims starting at 5 p.m. ET and the main card at 8 p.m. ET. The co-main event features Richardson Hitchins (20-0) moving up to welterweight against Ricardo Salas (24-2-2) in a 12-round fight. Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs) seeks a bounce-back performance after losses to Canelo Alvarez and Hamzah Sheeraz, while Butler (38-5-1, 32 KOs) aims to overcome a history of stoppage losses. The card also includes Jalil Hackett vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Otto Wallin vs. Vladyslav Sirenko, and other bouts. The event is part of Zuffa Boxing's strategy to feature top names on a streaming subscription rather than pay-per-view.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:00 PM UTC

A federal judge in California temporarily blocked the proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, granting a 14-day restraining order in response to an antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 U.S. states led by California. The states argue the merger would harm competition, raise consumer prices, and give the combined studio excessive leverage over theaters and cable distributors. The deal, already cleared by federal regulators, faces significant financial penalties if delayed or blocked.

15 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 23, 09:39 PM UTC

President Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr are using threats to revoke broadcast licenses as an intimidation campaign against TV networks that do not comply with Trump's demands. After ABC and NBC declined to provide live coverage of Trump's election security speech, Trump argued this should result in license revocation. Carr has adopted a vague 'public interest' standard, claiming broadcasters must cover the president 'fully, accurately, and fairly.' This has led to concrete actions: Carr entertained claims of 'broadcast news distortion' against CBS over a Kamala Harris interview edit, bragged about forcing changes to CBS journalistic practices as a condition for approving Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount, and made regulatory threats that preceded ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The article argues these actions are unconstitutional speech-chilling measures that set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:01 AM UTC

The article criticizes Republican lawmakers who have stoked anti-Muslim and anti-Sharia law sentiment for remaining silent on the proposed purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount, which is funded by sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar—nations that apply Sharia law. The merged company would be 49.5% owned by these three non-democratic states, raising concerns about CNN's independence. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has not investigated the deal, reportedly due to Trump administration support for the Ellison family's control. Democratic senators have called for scrutiny, while prominent anti-Sharia Republicans like Chip Roy, Keith Self, and Tommy Tuberville have made no public statements on the matter, highlighting their selective outrage.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:17 PM UTC

The article criticizes Republican lawmakers who have stoked anti-Muslim bigotry and campaigned against Sharia law, yet remain silent on the proposed purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount, funded by sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. These three non-democratic nations, whose legal systems incorporate Sharia law, would collectively own 49.5% of the merged company, including CNN. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has not investigated the deal, reportedly due to the Trump administration's desire for the Ellison family to control CNN. Democratic senators have raised concerns about national security and media independence. The article highlights the hypocrisy of figures like Reps. Chip Roy and Keith Self, and Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who have not commented on the foreign ownership despite their anti-Sharia rhetoric.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:17 PM UTC

The proposed $110 billion mega-merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery is on hold after a federal judge issued a temporary order in response to a lawsuit from 12 states. Employees at both companies are divided on the deal's impact. Some fear layoffs from team consolidation, while others worry about Paramount's financial health if the deal collapses, citing a $7 billion breakup fee and daily ticking fees. Supporters believe the merger is necessary to compete with Netflix and Disney, while opponents and Hollywood figures warn it will reduce jobs and opportunities. The Writers Guild of America has also filed an antitrust lawsuit against Paramount. The uncertainty has left staffers anxious about their careers and the future of the media industry.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:57 PM UTC

The article details the high-stakes bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which began in October 2025 when WBD explored a sale due to debt and declining cable viewership. Netflix initially offered $82.7 billion for WBD's studios and streaming assets, but Paramount, led by David Ellison with backing from his father Larry Ellison, won with an $111 billion bid for all WBD assets including HBO, CNN, and HGTV. The U.S. Department of Justice approved the deal in June 2026, but a federal judge paused it on July 20, 2026, following a lawsuit by 12 state attorneys general filed on July 13. The article breaks down the timeline, key players, and potential next steps in this landmark media merger.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:15 PM UTC

A federal court in California has allowed a trademark infringement lawsuit to proceed against drag performer Cody Barnes, known as Lexi Love from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17, and media companies Paramount and WOW. The plaintiff, Selena Scola, an adult film actress and entertainer who has used the name Lexi Love since 2004 and holds a federal trademark registration, alleges that Barnes' use of the name has caused consumer confusion, diluted Scola's online presence, and cost her business opportunities. Scola began using Lexi Love in adult films and later expanded into mainstream entertainment. Barnes began using the name in 2009 and gained fame in 2025 on RuPaul's Drag Race. The court rejected the defendants' motion to dismiss based on First Amendment protections under the Rogers test, finding that the trademark use may be source-identifying rather than purely expressive. The case raises significant questions about the intersection of trademark law, drag performance, and free expression.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:32 PM UTC

A federal judge in California ruled that a trademark infringement lawsuit against RuPaul's Drag Race producers and a drag performer can proceed. Selena Scola, who performed as Lexi Love in adult films since 2004 and holds a federal trademark for the name, sued Cody Barnes (a drag performer who used Lexi Love on Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2025) along with Paramount and WOW. Scola alleges that Barnes' fame diluted her online presence and caused business losses. The court rejected the defendants' motion to dismiss based on the Rogers test (First Amendment protection for expressive works), finding that the use of the name may be source-identifying rather than purely expressive. The case highlights tensions between trademark rights and free expression in entertainment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:32 PM UTC

A trademark infringement lawsuit, Barnes v. Scola, decided by Judge Richard Seeborg of the Northern District of California, centers on the use of the name 'Lexi Love.' Selena Scola, an adult film actress and entertainer who has used the name Lexi Love since 2004 and holds a federal trademark registration, sued drag performer Cody Barnes, who began using the name in 2009 and gained fame on Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2025. Scola claims Barnes' use of the mark has diluted her online presence, caused her to lose business opportunities, and led to confusion on social media. The court allowed Scola's trademark claims to proceed against Barnes, Paramount, and WOW, rejecting their motion to dismiss based on First Amendment protections under the Rogers test, finding that the use of the mark may function as source-identifying rather than purely expressive.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:32 PM UTC

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was a massive commercial success despite a lackluster final between Spain and Argentina. FIFA's revenue projections have risen from $13bn to over $15bn due to strong TV rights, sponsorship, and merchandise sales. The tournament saw record US viewership, boosting the value of future media rights. Fox Sports acquired the current English-language rights for $485m, but industry experts predict FIFA could demand $3bn for the combined English and Spanish language rights to the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. ESPN, Netflix, and Paramount are expected to bid aggressively for the next cycle. The 2030 World Cup will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 11:30 AM UTC

A coalition of 12 U.S. states, led by California's attorney general, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. The lawsuit argues the merger would reduce competition in theatrical distribution and increase consumer costs, focusing on the combined company's projected 27% domestic market share. The Writers Guild of America has also filed a separate antitrust suit. The merger agreement includes a September 30, 2026 deadline; delays could trigger a $650 million quarterly penalty for Paramount Skydance, and failure could result in a $7 billion termination fee. Both companies face financial pressures, with Warner Bros. Discovery reporting a larger-than-expected quarterly loss and CEO David Zaslav selling over $59 million in shares. Investor volatility has increased, though some analysts believe the legal challenge will delay rather than block the merger, as traditional media seeks scale to compete with Big Tech firms like Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:22 PM UTC

Donald Trump delivered a White House address on election integrity that was widely panned as incoherent and factually dubious. The speech repeated debunked claims about the 2020 election, noncitizen voting, and foreign interference. CBS News fact-checked the address, noting that only 28,000 potential noncitizens were found among 68 million records (0.04%). Fox News also did not fully endorse Trump's claims. The article argues the speech reflects Trump's political weakness ahead of the midterms, amid unpopularity and a quagmire in Iran. The analysis warns that despite the speech's failure, Trump remains dangerous as he seeks to undermine election confidence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:19 AM UTC

A press freedom group has filed a lawsuit in Delaware on behalf of Paramount shareholder Paul Robbins, seeking to block Paramount's multi-billion dollar acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns CNN. The suit alleges that Paramount insiders, including the Ellison family, are attempting to profit through breaches of their fiduciary duties to the company, with the deal being characterized as 'illegal' due to its connection to former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit aims to prevent insiders from benefiting at the expense of shareholders, highlighting concerns over corporate governance and media consolidation.

1 reports · 1 sources

UFC 329 is scheduled for July 11, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlining International Fight Week with a welterweight rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, 13 years after their first bout. McGregor returns from a five-year layoff and a broken leg, while Holloway enters as a betting favorite. The card includes Pimblett vs. St. Denis and Sandhagen vs. Bautista, streaming on Paramount+.

16 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 17, 10:30 PM UTC

With less than a month remaining until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, Argentine media outlet Ole has clarified the television and streaming distribution rights for the tournament. All listed platforms will broadcast every match played by the Argentine National Team. However, coverage of other matches varies significantly by provider. On traditional television, DSports offers the most comprehensive coverage, airing all 104 tournament matches. TyC Sports will broadcast approximately 50 matches, while Telefe will show around 30. Public TV will limit its coverage to Argentina's games, plus the semifinals and the final. In the streaming sector, Paramount+ mirrors DSports by offering all 104 matches. Conversely, Disney+ will stream a selected package of 30 matches, including specific group stage games, knockout rounds, and the final stages. The article also notes that Argentina will begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium. This information allows fans to choose subscriptions based on their desire for comprehensive coverage versus targeted support for the national team.

1 reports · 1 sources

White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller is increasingly recusing himself from major political issues due to ethical conflicts arising from his wife Katie Miller’s business activities. According to reports, Miller has stepped back from matters involving the planned Paramount-Skydance merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, as Katie held informal talks to sell her podcast to Paramount. Additionally, Miller recused himself from issues related to artificial intelligence and space exploration because Katie maintains a consulting contract with xAI, owned by Elon Musk, which recently acquired SpaceX interests. Although White House ethics rules do not mandate recusal from his wife’s podcast sponsors, Miller reportedly avoids interacting with them, particularly those seeking favor with the Trump administration. These developments follow broader scrutiny of Katie Miller’s political ambitions and past conduct. The situation highlights growing tensions between private financial interests and public service responsibilities within the current administration, raising questions about influence peddling and conflict of interest management among senior officials.

1 reports · 1 sources

The new Yellowstone spinoff series, Dutton Ranch, has shifted its setting from Montana to Texas, following characters Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton as they establish a new life in the fictional town of Rio Paloma. While Rio Paloma does not exist in reality, the production utilized several real-life Texas locations for filming. Ferris City, located south of Dallas, was announced as the primary filming site, with city officials expressing pride in hosting the production. Additional scenes were captured in Weatherford, near the Bosque Ranch, as well as in Dallas, Mineral Wells, Rio Vista, Boyd, and Cleburne. Notably, while some initial footage was shot in Montana, key sequences, including a major fire scene, were filmed in Texas. The series premiere, which aired on May 15, introduces viewers to this new environment where the protagonists face ruthless rivals and harsh realities. This report clarifies the distinction between the show's fictional narrative settings and the actual geographic locations used by the production team, providing fans with insights into the behind-the-scenes logistics of the highly anticipated series.

1 reports · 1 sources

New cast members of the upcoming 'Yellowstone' spinoff, 'Dutton Ranch,' revealed in exclusive interviews that they did not interact with franchise creator Taylor Sheridan during production. Despite Sheridan's role as an executive producer, the series was primarily guided by showrunner Chad Feehan and director Christina Alexandra Voros, described as Sheridan's trusted confidant. The show stars Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly, reprising their roles as Rip and Beth Dutton, who relocate to Texas. New additions include James Eddie, Sterlin English, Marc Menchaca, and Juan Pablo Raba. The actors shared insights into their preparation, with some undergoing intensive 'cowboy camp' training involving horseback riding stunts, while others, like real-life cowboy Sterlin English, relied on prior experience. Marc Menchaca praised Cole Hauser's leadership as an executive producer, and Juan Pablo Raba highlighted the educational experience of working alongside Annette Bening. The series explores the couple's new life amidst hostile neighbors and premieres on Paramount and Paramount+ this Friday at 8 p.m. ET, offering fans a continuation of the Dutton saga under new creative leadership.

1 reports · 1 sources

All 26 fighters successfully made weight for UFC Fight Night 276, also known as UFC Vegas 117, held at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The event is headlined by a featherweight bout between Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa, with Dooho Choi and Daniel Santos featuring in the co-main event. The weigh-ins, conducted on May 15, 2026, confirmed eligibility for the main card and preliminary bouts scheduled for broadcast on Paramount+. This procedural milestone ensures the fight card proceeds as planned without cancellations due to weight issues.

27 reports · 3 sources · Updated May 17, 05:00 PM UTC