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Deal still under UK scrutiny with new investigation, and could face lawsuit from state attorneys generalDonald Trump’s Department of Justice has decided to approve the $111bn merger of Paramount Skydance, controlled by the Ellison family, and Warner Bros Discovery, the parent company of networks like CNN and HBO.The deal was approved by the justice department’s anti-trust division after months of review, and despite the concerns of many people in the entertainment and media industries who believe it will hurt competition by reducing the number of film studios and – most likely – merging two news networks, Paramount’s CBS News and CNN. Continue reading...

Deal to create a streaming and sports powerhouse will be scrutinised by Competition and Markets AuthorityThe UK competition watchdog has opened an investigation into Paramount Skydance’s $110bn (£82bn) takeover of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD).The deal will create a media powerhouse controlling assets including the Paramount and HBO Max streaming services, Channel 5 and TNT Sports, which broadcasts Champions League, Premier League and the Olympics, the Hollywood studios behind franchises including Superman, Batman and Top Gun, as well as HBO, home to shows including Game of Thrones, The White Lotus and Succession. Continue reading...

• Warner Bros. Discovery has announced its most extensive Roland-Garros coverage to date, broadcasting approximately 900 matches across HBO Max, TNT Sports, and Eurosport. • Live coverage of the main draw begins on Sunday, May 24, featuring 215 hours of linear programming in the UK, Ireland, and Europe, alongside live qualifiers on HBO Max. • To increase accessibility, selected matches will be aired on local free-to-air channels in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Turkey.

• Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is launching its most comprehensive viewing experience for Roland-Garros, offering coverage across HBO Max, TNT Sports, and Eurosport. • Fans will have access to 900 matches, providing an extensive look at the tournament through live coverage and dedicated sports platforms. • This initiative leverages WBD's diverse portfolio, including Max and discovery+, to maximize reach and accessibility for tennis enthusiasts.

Ian Cheshire says media regulator must address perception it has been complacent and slow on online safetyOfcom’s incoming chair has vowed to take on the “tech bros”, as he conceded there was now a perception the regulator had been complacent and slow over concerns about online safety.Ian Cheshire, the former Channel 4 chair who has secured the job overseeing the technology and media regulator, also told MPs he had personal concerns about the impact of social media on under-16s. Continue reading...

A long and bitter legal battle between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has culminated in victory for the OpenAI boss. Musk has vowed to appeal the verdict. But what did the trial reveal about big tech and the global AI race?Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early Continue reading...

The merger will still require governmental approval and could be delayed by a lawsuit seeking to block itShareholders of Warner Bros Discovery voted “overwhelmingly” to approve the company’s $110bn merger with Paramount Skydance, the parent company of CBS News, on Thursday.But shareholders voted against generous proposed compensation packages for WBD executives, including a $550m payout to the outgoing chief executive, David Zaslav. Continue reading...