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- FCC approves $8B Skydance-Paramount merger after CBS programming concessions
- Deal resolves President Trump’s $16M lawsuit over edited ’60 Minutes’ interview
- Democrats condemn approval timing as “corrupt” political favor
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
The FCC approved Skydance Media’s $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global after months of political controversy. The deal faced scrutiny over CBS News’ handling of a 2023 ’60 Minutes’ interview with Kamala Harris, which led to a $16 million settlement with President Trump. Skydance agreed to implement programming reforms and eliminate diversity initiatives at CBS.
Core Players
- Skydance Media – Acquiring Paramount Global ($8B deal)
- Paramount Global – Parent company of CBS
- FCC – Approved merger 2-1
- President Trump – Settled $16M lawsuit with CBS
- Brendan Carr – FCC Commissioner leading approval
Key Numbers
- $8B – Value of Skydance-Paramount merger
- $16M – President Trump’s settlement with CBS
- 2-1 – FCC approval vote split
- 2 years – Duration of CBS ombudsman program
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The Catalyst
“I welcome Skydance’s commitment to make significant changes at CBS,” FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr stated. The approval followed President Trump’s $16 million settlement with CBS over an edited ’60 Minutes’ interview, which Carr continues to investigate.
The merger faced intense scrutiny due to concerns about CBS News’ editorial independence and political bias.
Inside Forces
Skydance agreed to:
- Create a CBS News ombudsman for 2 years
- Review programming for ideological diversity
- Eliminate DEI initiatives at CBS
These concessions aimed to address Republican concerns about media bias.
Power Dynamics
Commissioner Carr forced a full commission vote rather than delegated approval, securing Republican support. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez dissented, calling the deal “cowardly capitulation” to political pressure.
President Trump’s influence looms large despite not holding office, with Democrats accusing the FCC of prioritizing his interests over public good.
Outside Impact
Senators Ed Markey and Ben Ray Luján condemned the approval as “corrupt,” citing the proximity to President Trump’s settlement. Media watchdogs warn the deal could erode CBS News’ editorial independence.
Industry analysts note the merger creates a major media conglomerate with significant political influence.
Future Forces
Key developments to watch:
- Implementation of CBS programming reforms
- Outcome of Carr’s ongoing ’60 Minutes’ investigation
- Congressional response to FCC approval
- Impact on media consolidation trends
Data Points
- 2023: President Trump sues CBS over edited Harris interview
- July 2025: $16M settlement reached
- July 24, 2025: FCC approves merger
- 2-1: FCC vote split (Carr/Trusty vs Gomez)
The Skydance-Paramount merger represents a pivotal moment in media consolidation and political influence. While the deal resolves immediate legal disputes, it raises long-term questions about editorial independence and regulatory oversight in the digital age.
