UK Caps Foreign State Media Stakes at 15 Percent

The UK government will introduce a law capping foreign state ownership at 15% for British newspapers, news periodicals, news websites, and broadcasters, following concerns over an Abu Dhabi-backed bid for The Telegraph. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is expected to announce the measure, which comes after extensive industry lobbying and consultation. The new threshold enables RedBird IMI—a joint venture between US-based RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi's IMI, which assumed control of The Telegraph in 2023 after repaying Barclay family debts—to retain a minority stake. The cap is intended to balance worries about foreign influence and media independence with the need for international investment in the struggling news industry. Legislation will also grant the government increased authority to scrutinize media mergers involving broadcasters and online outlets. This shift represents a compromise from previous proposals for stricter limits on foreign state investment.