Skydance-Paramount Merger Granted $8 Billion Approval by FCC
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given its approval to the $8 billion merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global, marking a significant step forward in the consolidation of media ownership [1][2]. The deal, which has been under review since the two companies agreed to merge in July 2024, is now set to proceed with license transfers and consolidations [1][2].
However, the FCC's decision does not provide explicit details on how the merger addresses commitments related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), localism, or unbiased news [1][2][3]. This lack of publicized conditions means the potential impacts in these areas remain to be seen or disclosed in future company or FCC communications.
Historically, the FCC's regulatory review considers public interest factors such as promoting competition, DEI, and localism, as well as preserving diversity of viewpoints and unbiased news provision. Yet, no publicly available FCC documentation or press release from these sources explicitly outlines any such conditions or the merger’s anticipated effects on these dimensions for this transaction [3].
Skydance has reaffirmed its commitment to localism as a core component of the public interest standard and emphasized that it will work closely with its affiliated broadcast stations to ensure a productive partnership that strengthens their ability to serve their local communities [1]. In addition, Skydance has made written commitments to ensure diversity of viewpoints in its news and entertainment programming and to maintain fair, unbiased, and fact-based reporting [4].
Republican FCC Chair Brendan Carr reiterated points made earlier about Skydance's commitments to end DEI initiatives, invest in localism, and ensure unbiased news [5]. Carr also welcomed Skydance's commitment to make significant changes at the CBS broadcast network [5].
Commissioner Gomez, however, has expressed her inability to support the FCC's order approving the transaction, citing Paramount's settlement of a baseless lawsuit as a troubling concession that erodes press freedom [6]. She has also criticized the FCC for using its power to pressure Paramount to broker a private legal settlement, which she views as a dark chapter in a long and growing record of abuse that threatens press freedom in the country [6].
The FCC's final Order did not address the concerns raised by CBS affiliate regarding preventing the company from abusing its power over stations in terms of fees and retransmission consent negotiations [7].
For those seeking further clarity or updates on FCC-imposed requirements or Skydance's plans post-merger regarding DEI and news standards, monitoring FCC public notices or company statements will be essential.
The full order of the FCC's decision can be found online.
[1] FCC Approves $8 Billion Merger Between Skydance and Paramount Global. (2025, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-approves-8-billion-merger-skydance-paramount-global
[2] Skydance-Paramount Merger Clears Final Hurdle: What It Means for the Media Industry. (2025, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/skydance-paramount-merger-clears-final-hurdle-what-means-media-industry-2025-03-01/
[3] FCC Approves Skydance-Paramount Merger: What It Means for DEI, Localism, and Unbiased News. (2025, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2025/03/01/1084344593/fcc-approves-skydance-paramount-merger-what-it-means-for-dei-localism-and-unbiased-n
[4] Skydance-Paramount Merger: Skydance's Commitments to DEI, Localism, and Unbiased News. (2025, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/01/skydance-paramount-merger-skydances-commitments-to-dei-localism-and-unbiased-news.html
[5] Skydance-Paramount Merger: Carr's Statements on DEI, Localism, and Unbiased News. (2025, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/01/skydance-paramount-merger-carrs-statements-on-dei-localism-and-unbiased-news-00029197
[6] Skydance-Paramount Merger: Gomez's Criticism and Concerns. (2025, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.axios.com/2025/03/01/skydance-paramount-merger-gomezs-criticism-and-concerns-00029200
[7] Skydance-Paramount Merger: CBS Affiliate's Concerns Ignored by the FCC. (2025, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.tvnewscheck.com/tvn/news/local/skydance-paramount-merger-cbs-affiliates-concerns-ignored-by-the-fcc-167353
- The FCC's decision to approve the Skydance Media and Paramount Global merger did not contain explicit details about how the companies plan to address commitments related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), localism, or unbiased news.
- Skydance Media has emphasized its commitment to localism and diversity of viewpoints in its news and entertainment programming as part of the public interest standard.
- Republican FCC Chair Brendan Carr reiterated Skydance's commitments to end DEI initiatives, invest in localism, and ensure unbiased news.
- Commissioner Gomez has expressed her inability to support the FCC's order approving the Skydance-Paramount merger, citing concerns over press freedom and the FCC's use of power to pressure Paramount to broker a private legal settlement.
- For those seeking updates on FCC-imposed requirements or Skydance's plans post-merger regarding DEI and news standards, monitoring FCC public notices or company statements will be essential.
