FCC Approves $8B Paramount Sale Amid Bias, Programming Controversies

Paramount Global has secured federal approval for its $8 billion sale to Skydance Media, following promises from Skydance to implement significant changes, including eliminating diversity programs and establishing an ombudsman to address ideological bias complaints at CBS. This deal comes amid widespread speculation that Paramount's cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was influenced by the Trump administration, despite the company citing financial reasons. The FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised the concessions as exposing the partisan nature of certain media outlets, crediting President Trump for prompting these changes. Concurrently, Paramount signed a $1.5 billion, five-year exclusive streaming rights deal with South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, a show known for its satirical and often critical portrayals of President Trump and other political figures. President Trump announced he expects at least $20 million in advertising or public service announcements from Skydance as part of a side deal linked to a lawsuit settlement involving Paramount, although the company denies knowledge of such promises. These developments highlight the complex interplay of media ownership, political influence, and content strategy in the current U.S. media landscape.