The FCC has initiated talks with Paramount Global regarding the steps needed to gain approval for its proposed merger with Skydance Media, according to The Wall Street Journal citing sources familiar with the matter.
One condition said to be under discussion is Paramount’s commitment to refrain from certain corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has pushed for media and telecom companies to scale back DEI policies as a prerequisite for merger approvals. The Paramount-Skydance deal, which involves transferring CBS’s broadcast television licenses, has been under FCC scrutiny for months with little progress.
The recent dialogue between Paramount and the FCC marks a small step in a lengthy process, complicated by Trump’s public criticism of Paramount. Shari Redstone, Paramount’s nonexecutive chair and controlling shareholder, supports settling the Trump lawsuit, believing it could facilitate merger approval. Redstone has also publicly criticized some CBS News and 60 Minutes coverage.
Earlier this week, 60 Minutes Executive Producer Bill Owens announced his resignation, citing a loss of editorial independence. Inside CBS News, some oppose settling with Trump, particularly if it involves an apology, fearing it could be perceived as a concession. Additionally, certain Paramount executives and directors worry that a settlement might be interpreted as an attempt to influence a public official, potentially exposing them to legal risks.
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