FCC Chair Brendan Carr defended the approval process for the Paramount Global and Skydance Media merger, asserting it followed standard procedure, during an appearance on Fox News’ “Media Buzz” with host Howard Kurtz.
Responding to concerns about the approval’s timing—shortly after Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with President Trump over “60 Minutes” and CBS canceled “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”—Carr dismissed claims of impropriety, stating the review was consistent with typical FCC timelines under both current and prior administrations. He emphasized that the process included a full commission vote and described the outcome as positive.
Carr also praised the new CBS owners for their commitment to unbiased, fact-based reporting, diverse perspectives, eliminating discriminatory DEI practices, and reinvesting in local journalism, calling it a victory for the public.
Addressing the cancellation of Colbert’s show, attributed by CBS to financial reasons, Kurtz noted that even Colbert’s rivals, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, along with other celebrities, have publicly supported him. Carr suggested the Trump administration’s influence on the media landscape would have lasting effects.