Skydance Plans Bias Review Process For CBS News

Skydance Media, aiming to merge with Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News, has taken steps to secure FCC approval. 

On Tuesday, Skydance’s legal team sent a letter to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, announcing plans to appoint an ombudsman to address “complaints of bias or other concerns” at CBS News, ensuring “viewpoint diversity” across its operations, according to Variety. Skydance also confirmed that Paramount has eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

These efforts come amid political controversies surrounding CBS and CBS News over the past year. 

On July 18, 2025, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, set to end in May 2026, citing financial reasons. 

However, Colbert’s vocal criticism of President Donald Trump has fueled speculation of political motivations. The decision follows a $16 million settlement between Paramount Global and Trump, resolving a lawsuit accusing CBS News of “deceitful” editing in a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. 

The settlement, finalized in early July, included no apology from CBS News, with most funds allocated to Trump’s future presidential library. This mirrors a $20 million settlement ABC News reached with Trump in December 2024.The settlement was a priority for Paramount Global’s chair, Shari Redstone, as she pushes to finalize the merger with Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, whose father, Larry Ellison, supported Trump’s re-election campaign. 

The merger, pending FCC approval, is expected to close later in 2025.