Paramount-Skydance merger approved after companies agree to government speech demands

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Skydance's $8 billion purchase of CBS-owner Paramount after the companies agreed to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs but feature a "diversity of viewpoints from across the political and ideological spectrum." The move comes after the Trump administration's critiques of CBS's alleged anti-conservative bias, including a $16 million settlement over the president's lawsuit. Skydance agreed to employ an ombudsman for at least two years to address bias concerns. FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised the decision, stating that it would enable CBS to operate in the public interest and focus on fair, unbiased, and fact-based coverage. However, Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez dissented, warning that the agreement threatens press freedom and sets a dangerous precedent of government interference in editorial decisions. The article highlights the ongoing debate over bias in the media and the role of the government in regulating content. The approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger, with the conditions imposed, reflects the FCC's efforts to address perceived media bias, which some view as a concerning encroachment on press freedom.