Hollywood
Stage set for ID Day
MUMBAI: Global superstars One Direction have further given details about the event, ‘1D Day’ that marks the release of their new album ‘Midnight Memories.’
‘1D Day’ will give people from every corner of the globe a unique opportunity to enter into One Direction’s world, through a seven-hour live broadcast with the band on 23 November between 7pm – 2am (GMT).
‘1D Day’ will be broadcast on YouTube & Google+, so One Direction fans around the world can watch live at the same time. The broadcast will include behind the scenes footage, exclusive plays of tracks from their new album ‘Midnight Memories’, Guinness World record attempts, and special guests including Robbie Williams, Celine Dion, Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan, The Muppets and many more.
‘1D Day’ will also broadcast live into Doctor Who Live: The Afterparty on BBC3. The show will feature a host of previous doctors and their time-travelling companions.
Fans who have taken part in 1D Day challenges over the past few weeks will have the chance to spot their work on screen and people will be able to join in the fun in a variety of ways; using the hashtag #1DDayLive, swiping the screen to get rewards with the Zappar app and play along with the official 1D Day quiz.
The ultimate reward for fans from around the world is getting the opportunity to hang out with the guys and participate live in the stream. The band will be surprising fans by dropping into their Google+ Hangout parties and chatting live face-to-face in a special feature called ‘One Big Drop In.’
“‘1D Day’ is all about giving back to our amazing fans for supporting us for the past three years. When we suggested it we never thought anyone would let us loose LIVE all day – we cannot wait!” said Liam of the band.
One Direction recently finished a worldwide tour, and are releasing their hugely anticipated third studio album ‘Midnight Memories’ on the 25 November. The band has also announced a worldwide stadium tour for 2014.
Hollywood
Paramount eyes $24bn Gulf support to fund Warner Bros Discovery merger: Reports
Sovereign funds line up funding as media giants chase streaming scale
NEW YORK: Paramount Skydance is in talks to secure nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from Gulf sovereign wealth funds to support its planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a WSJ report.
The funding push comes as Paramount Skydance advances its proposed $110 billion deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, which carries an equity valuation of $81 billion and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
At the heart of the financing plan are three major Gulf investors. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to contribute roughly $10 billion, while the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi-based L’imad Holding are likely to make up the remainder.
Crucially, the proposed investments are structured as non-voting stakes. This means the Gulf backers would not have direct control in the combined entity, a move designed to ease regulatory concerns in the United States. Paramount executives reportedly do not expect the deal to trigger scrutiny from bodies such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or the Federal Communications Commission.
If completed, the merger would bring together a formidable portfolio of entertainment and news assets, including CNN and CBS. The combined entity aims to better compete in a fast-evolving media landscape where streaming platforms are steadily pulling audiences away from traditional television.
The deal reflects a broader shift in global media, where scale is increasingly seen as essential to survive the streaming wars. By pooling content libraries, technology and distribution, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery are betting on size and synergy to drive future growth.
The involvement of deep-pocketed Gulf investors also underscores the growing role of sovereign wealth in shaping global media consolidation, particularly at a time when high-value deals demand equally large financial backing.
With shareholder votes and regulatory milestones still ahead, the proposed tie-up remains one of the most closely watched media deals of the year. If it clears the final hurdles, it could redraw the competitive map of the global entertainment industry.
