UK Regulator Approves Warner Bros. Merger After Paramount Concessions

Britain's competition regulator has approved the 82 billion takeover of film and TV giant Warner Bros. by rival Paramount after the U.S. firm made legally binding commitments.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy decided not to intervene after Paramount agreed to preserve the editorial independence of its news shows, protect public service broadcasting, and maintain support for children's content. The merger will create one of the world's largest film and television groups.

Paramount's commitment includes guaranteeing the editorial independence of Channel 5 News, ensuring it remains separate from other Paramount news operations. The company also pledged not to reduce the number of people commissioning content in the U.K. and to continue backing U.K.-produced shows.

The Competition and Markets Authority cleared the deal following similar approval from E.U. regulators. The tie-up will bring together entities controlling news networks such as CNN and CBS, television network HBO, and Channel 5 in the U.K.

Additionally, the deal encompasses film studios responsible for major franchises like "Batman" and "Top Gun." David Ellison, Paramount's boss and son of tycoon Larry Ellison, assured the government of these concessions.

Despite the U.K. regulator's approval, Ellison must still secure approval in the United States, where several states have voiced opposition to the merger.