Hollywood
Times Network evokes the ‘hero’ in viewers with its Republic Day movies line-up
Times Network, a part of India’s largest media conglomerate, The Times Group, commemorates the 69th Republic Day of India through a specially curated line-up of movies on its channels MOVIES NOW and MNX featuring big screen heroes who save the world from dark forces. With movies such as ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron,’ ‘Valkyrie’, ‘Ben-Hur,’ and ‘The Dark Knight’, Times Network’s English movie channels, MOVIES NOW and MNX, bring to its viewers a formidable line- up of Hollywood blockbusters that celebrate guts, glory and action.
Movies NOW through its property ‘Badge of Courage’, celebrates heroism & passion this Republic Day from 9am to 9pm with an array of Hollywood blockbusters like Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Marvel’s The Avengers, Avengers: Age Of Ultron and Ant-Man. Movies NOW has assembled all its super heroes to ignite the spirit of nationalism amongst Indian audiences who in their quest to save the world from destruction, exude courage and valour which are symbolic of what Republic Day is all about.
Likewise, MNX through their line-up seek to inspire audiences with films that celebrate resilience, bravery and commitment, values which are characteristic of any hero to the nation. Viewers will be privy to films where the good guys undergo hardships to emerge triumphant in the end be it Valkyrie (overcoming Nazi rule), London has Fallen (fighting terrorism), Ben-Hur (reclaiming lost honour) to The Lone Ranger (capturing rogue outlaws) to name a few.
Wear your badge of courage this Republic Day and tune in to catch the movie line-up on Movies NOW and MNX on Friday, January 26th
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.
