Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California has raised significant concerns about potential political interference by President Donald Trump in the FCC approval of the $8.4 billion merger between Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, and Skydance Media.
In a letter sent Monday to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, Schiff demanded transparency regarding whether Trump or his associates sought to influence programming or media coverage decisions as part of the merger review process, citing actions that suggest the FCC may have been used as a tool for political retribution, undermining press freedom.
Schiff’s inquiry focuses on a series of events that raise questions about the FCC’s independence, an agency legally bound by the First Amendment and the Communications Act of 1934, which prohibits censorship or interference with broadcast content.
Key points prompting Schiff’s letter include:
FCC Meetings with Skydance Executives: Schiff noted a private meeting on July 15, 2025, between FCC Chair Carr and Skydance CEO David Ellison, just nine days before the merger approval. He questioned whether discussions about programming or editorial decisions, including specific shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, took place. CBS announced in July 2025 that The Late Show would be canceled in 2026, shortly after Colbert criticized the Trump settlement on air. Schiff, a guest on the show the night the cancellation was announced, flagged the timing as potentially retaliatory.
Trump’s Claims of Additional Commitments: Trump claimed on Truth Social that the settlement included an additional $20 million in “advertising, public service announcements, or similar programming,” totaling over $36 million. Schiff questioned whether the FCC was aware of or discussed such commitments, which could imply influence over Paramount’s content.
FCC’s Merger Conditions: The FCC approved the merger by a 2-1 vote, with conditions requiring Skydance to ensure CBS programming reflects a “diversity of viewpoints” and to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. An ombudsman was also mandated for two years to review complaints. Schiff argued these conditions suggest an improper FCC effort to shape content, violating its legal limits under the First Amendment. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez dissented, accusing Paramount of “cowardly capitulation” to the Trump administration and the FCC of imposing “never-before-seen controls” over editorial decisions.