Reporters Without Borders warned that the European Commission must assess whether Paramount’s proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery could undermine TVN24’s editorial independence before a July 22 decision.
RSF said competition review alone is insufficient and urged Brussels and the European Board for Media Services to apply Article 23 of the European Media Freedom Act and demand binding safeguards.
TVN24, Poland’s second most-watched and most trusted news channel, would move under Paramount control; RSF cited David Ellison’s alleged editorial interference at CBS News as a reason for concern.
The group also flagged Paramount shareholders linked to Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, saying even passive stakes can create indirect pressure or self-censorship despite no formal governance rights.
Poland listed TVN as a strategic asset in December 2024, meaning the government could still intervene in a takeover deemed harmful to national interests, though it has not done so.
Can a Polish news channel stay free when its new owners include three Middle Eastern states?
With a $110B media merger pending, are guarantees for press freedom truly enforceable?
Is Europe's new media law strong enough to shield a newsroom from its Hollywood owners?
$110 Billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger: EU Sets Strict Conditions Over Antitrust and Gulf State Influence
Overview
On July 22, 2026, the European Union conditionally approved the $110 billion Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, but only if strict antitrust requirements are met. Paramount must exit its joint venture with Universal and is barred from new film distribution deals with Universal in Europe for ten years. The EU also restricts transferring Warner Bros. film distribution to Paramount’s channels. An independent trustee will oversee compliance with these rules. While these steps aim to protect competition in Europe, the merger still faces unresolved legal challenges in the United States, making its future uncertain.