The Culture Secretary has decided not to intervene in the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery. This decision follows legally-binding commitments secured from Paramount.
Previously, on June 30, 2026, the Culture Secretary had indicated a potential intervention under the Enterprise Act's public interest regime. Concerns were raised regarding the merger's possible impact on UK media plurality, specifically in areas such as children's programming, editorial independence, and news media.
Paramount responded with assurances, which were subsequently strengthened into a 'deed of undertaking' with legally-binding commitments. These include intentions not to consolidate linear channels with on-demand services in the UK, maintaining distinct editorial identities for children's channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, and ensuring the editorial independence of Channel 5 News.
Paramount has also committed to Channel 5 continuing as a Public Service Broadcaster, with increased funding for high-quality news, original children's programming, and drama. These commitments are set to last for five years from the transaction's completion, with Channel 5-related commitments extending until December 31, 2034.
In parallel, the Competition and Markets Authority announced today that it found no competition aspects of the proposed merger in the UK that necessitate its intervention. The Culture Secretary will formally update Parliament on her decision when it reconvenes in September.