Political Meddling From Paramount? Not On My Watch, Says President Of UK Network 5

Reemah Sakaan, president of Paramount‘s British network 5, has said the broadcaster is committed to independent news amid concerns about David Ellison-shaped political interference in the U.S.

Taking to the stage at the Royal Television Society London Convention, Sakaan was asked whether anxiety in America over the independence of CBS News is relevant in the UK.

“Do your owners guarantee the impartiality, the independence of Channel 5 News, given what’s been written about what’s happening across the Atlantic?” asked BBC News journalist Katie Razzall.

Sakaan responded: “My responsibility is for 5’s remit. That commitment to news investment, independent news, and to [5 News producer] ITN has been redoubled in the past few months. So I feel absolutely confident about that.”

Sakaan was referencing questions Paramount has faced in recent months from the British government over its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

To clear regulatory hurdles in the UK, Paramount agreed to a “deed of covenant” with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. This included a commitment not to maintain the editorial independence of its news services and children’s networks.

The commitments, which come into effect once the transaction completes and will remain in force for five years, will ensure that 5 News’ editorial direction remains entirely separate from CBS News and CNN International. Dan Walker-fronted 5 News has a legal duty to impartiality under British broadcasting rules.

Razzall pressed Sakaan further: “How much does Paramount get involved? I don’t mean necessarily in news, I mean just generally. How much are they involved in the day-to-day running?”

Sakaan replied: “I mean absolutely. You know, making sure that you hit your goals and your targets as a commercial business. There was a lot of work this summer working through the regulatory process around the broader [Warner Bros.] deal.”

She added: “Paramount have been amazing custodians of Channel 5. It’s been over a decade now, and their commitment to 5 — it’s not really just good for their health — it’s a really, really strong strategic asset.”