The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the $8.4bn merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, clearing the transfer of broadcast licenses for 28 CBS television stations. The decision came after Paramount paid $16m to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
FCC chair Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, stated the review was unrelated to the civil suit. Skydance, owned by David Ellison—son of Trump ally Larry Ellison—has committed to unbiased journalism, but Carr noted written promises to address conservative grievances and halt diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticised the merger, suggesting the settlement was a bribe. The sole Democrat on the FCC, Anna Gomez, decried the decision as eroding press freedom by imposing controls over newsroom decisions.
Skydance and investment partner RedBird Capital have agreed to appoint an ombudsman to evaluate editorial bias complaints. Carr said the merger would unleash $1.5bn investment into Paramount, the same amount Paramount recently agreed to pay for South Park streaming rights.
The latest South Park episode mocked Trump and criticised Paramount's settlement, ending with a satirical public service announcement featuring a naked Trump with a miniature talking penis.
