The Federal Communications Commission has approved Paramount's sale of a 49.5% equity stake to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, rejecting concerns that repressive governments could gain influence over CBS owner Paramount, according to Ars Technica.
Key facts
- The FCC approved Paramount selling a 49.5% equity stake.
- The buyers are Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
- Paramount owns CBS.
- The FCC rejected concerns about repressive governments buying influence, according to Ars Technica.
- The approval was reported by Ars Technica on 18 September 2026.
The Federal Communications Commission has approved a deal allowing Paramount to sell a 49.5% equity stake to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, according to Ars Technica. The approval clears the way for the three Gulf governments to take an ownership position in the company that owns CBS.
In granting its approval, the FCC rejected concerns that repressive governments could buy influence over CBS owner Paramount, Ars Technica reported.
The reporting, published on 18 September 2026, indicates that the commission did not view the proposed foreign stake as a barrier to approving the sale. Further details on the terms of the transaction and any conditions attached to the approval were not specified in the available reporting.
Why it matters
The approval gives three foreign governments a near-half equity stake in the parent company of CBS, a major U.S. broadcast network. According to Ars Technica, the FCC rejected concerns about repressive governments gaining influence over the broadcaster.
Frequently asked questions
How large is the stake being sold?
Paramount is selling a 49.5% equity stake, just under half of the company's equity, according to Ars Technica.
Who are the buyers?
The buyers are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Why did the FCC have to approve the sale?
Paramount owns CBS, and the FCC reviewed the transaction, rejecting concerns about repressive governments gaining influence over the broadcaster before granting approval.