Core Points - Two Democratic lawmakers express concerns regarding the national security implications of Paramount's bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, particularly due to the involvement of foreign investors, including the Saudi Public Investment Fund [1][2] - The lawmakers demand that Warner Bros. Discovery notify the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) if any transaction involves foreign sovereign or state-linked investors [2][5] - The lawmakers highlight the potential influence of foreign investors on editorial independence and content moderation, which could pose a national security threat [5] Group 1: Legislative Concerns - The lawmakers, Rep. Sam Liccardo and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, emphasize the need for a full national security review of any transactions involving foreign investors [2][5] - Other lawmakers, including Sen. Chris Murphy and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have also raised concerns about the consolidation of media companies, specifically the Paramount bid and the Netflix deal [3][4] - The involvement of Emirati and Qatari funds, as well as a private equity fund backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, raises alarms about foreign influence over a major American media company [5] Group 2: Future Implications - The lawmakers suggest that future Congresses may review the current Administration's decisions and could recommend divestitures that would affect the merger's strategic logic [6] - The potential for increased scrutiny of foreign investments in media could arise if Democrats regain control of the House in the next election [5][6]
Democratic Lawmakers Warn Warner Bros. Discovery Of National Security Concerns In Paramount Bid Because Of Saudi And Other Foreign Investors