Hollywood
Rod Stewart’s ‘Another Country’ to launch in October
MUMBAI: Rod Stewart’s much anticipated new album, Another Country, which is scheduled for release on 23 October via Capitol Records, will continue a prolific new chapter in Stewart’s storied career as one of rock’s most gifted storytellers.
With his singular voice, narrative songwriting and passionate live performances, Stewart has amassed sales of more than 200 million albums and singles worldwide. Throughout his career, he has bagged 18 Grammy nominations, and in 2007 was bestowed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) by the Queen of England.
“I’ve found that the only way to write songs is to be as personal and honest as possible,” said Stewart.
“When my last album was so well-received it gave me the confidence to keep on writing, and to examine and write about different things. It also gave me the freedom to experiment with different sounds – like reggae, ska and Celtic melodies,” the artist added.
Fans who pre-order the 12-song standard or 17-song deluxe album from digital retailers will instantly receive a download of Stewart’s first single “Love is”, along with an instant download of “In A Broken Dream,” the infamous 1968 Python Lee Jackson song featuring the vocals of a yet unknown Stewart. The video for “Love is” has been released on 30 June on Vevo and features Stewart and his band jamming on the roof of the iconic Capitol Records building in Hollywood, CA.
. “It seems like I’ve spent years of my life in a recording studio so being able to record this album at home, where most of the songs were written, felt so much more intimate and inspiring,” said Stewart on his collaboration Kevin Savigar, who co-produced the album and on his tryst with technology.
Hollywood
Paramount seeks FCC nod for foreign-backed $110 billion WBD deal
Gulf funds back merger as foreign stake nears 50 per cent, control stays with Ellison
NEW YORK: Paramount Global has approached the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for foreign investments tied to its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking another key step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
According to regulatory filings made public this week, the investment backing the deal includes major Gulf sovereign funds such as the Public Investment Fund, the Qatar Investment Authority and L’imad Holding Company. Together, foreign investors are expected to hold just under 50 per cent of Paramount’s equity once the transaction is complete.
Despite the sizeable international backing, Paramount has made it clear that voting control will remain with the family of chief executive David Ellison, ensuring the company stays firmly under US control as required by broadcasting rules.
A company spokesperson described the FCC filing as routine for transactions involving foreign capital and stressed that it does not impact the closing of the deal. Under US law, any significant foreign ownership in broadcast licence holders must undergo regulatory review.
The merger itself has already cleared a major hurdle, with Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approving the deal on 23 April. The transaction values the company at $31 per share, a 147 per cent premium to its earlier trading price, reflecting strong strategic intent behind the tie-up.
If completed, the combined entity will bring together a vast portfolio including Warner Bros. film studios, HBO Max, and networks such as CNN, TNT and Discovery Channel. The deal is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
However, scrutiny is intensifying. The US Department of Justice has issued subpoenas seeking details on the merger’s potential impact on cinema competition, streaming services and content licensing. Reviews are also anticipated in international markets, including the United Kingdom.
There is also a financial safety net built into the agreement. If regulators ultimately block the deal, Paramount would face a $7 billion break-up fee. Additionally, the company has taken on $2.8 billion in obligations previously owed by Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix following an earlier terminated arrangement.
Paramount maintains that easing foreign ownership barriers will unlock fresh capital and strengthen its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For now, the spotlight remains on regulators, whose decision will determine whether this global media consolidation moves from script to screen.
