FCC, Paramount Discuss DEI Changes for Skydance Merger Approval

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in ongoing discussions with Paramount Global regarding the approval of its proposed merger with Skydance Media, focusing heavily on Paramount's commitment to scale back or eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed during the Trump administration, has made clear that ending DEI programs is a prerequisite for regulatory approval, reflecting broader scrutiny of such initiatives at other media companies like Disney and Comcast. The review process, which governs the transfer of CBS broadcast licenses, has been delayed, prompting an extension of the merger agreement for another 90 days. Complicating matters further is a $20 billion lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against Paramount-owned CBS News over alleged news distortion in a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris, though legal experts view the case as weak. Settlement talks between Paramount and Trump’s legal team are reportedly viewed as a potential step toward securing government approval for the merger. The uncertainty surrounding both regulatory and legal issues has also caused significant disruption within CBS News.