Jared Kushner – and three Arab monarchies – are at the heart of the Paramount-WBD bid | Mohamad Bazzi

The GuardianThursday, December 11, 2025 at 11:00:14 AM
NeutralU.S News
Jared Kushner – and three Arab monarchies – are at the heart of the Paramount-WBD bid | Mohamad Bazzi
  • Paramount Skydance has initiated a $108 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery, which includes major media assets such as CNN and HBO. This move comes after Netflix secured a $72 billion deal for Warner's studios and streaming unit, intensifying the competition in the media landscape.
  • The bid is led by David Ellison, with significant backing from Jared Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, alongside funds from Saudi and Qatari sovereign wealth funds. This involvement raises ethical concerns regarding the influence of foreign investments in U.S. media.
  • The ongoing bidding war highlights the shifting dynamics in the entertainment industry, where traditional media companies are increasingly challenged by streaming giants. The potential sale of Warner Bros Discovery also raises questions about the future direction of CNN and its management, as staff express concerns over the implications of a Paramount acquisition.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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