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US FCC clears $8bn Skydance-Paramount merger

July 25, 2025

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, transferring broadcast licenses for 28 CBS television stations to the new ownership. This approval comes shortly after Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to settle a legal dispute with President Donald Trump over a CBS interview with Kamala Harris, though without issuing an apology. FCC Chair Brendan Carr welcomed Skydance's promised changes at CBS, including a commitment to "unbiased journalism" and the installation of an ombudsman to evaluate bias complaints, while also ending diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Who is affected

  • CBS television stations (28 owned-and-operated stations)
  • Viewers of Paramount's media properties (CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, BET, MTV, Comedy Central)
  • Employees of both Paramount Global and Skydance Media
  • Consumers of news media and entertainment content
  • The American public (as mentioned by Commissioner Anna Gomez)

What action is being taken

  • The FCC is transferring broadcast licenses for 28 CBS television stations to the new merged company
  • Paramount Global and Skydance Media are proceeding with their $8 billion merger
  • Skydance is committing to install an ombudsman to evaluate complaints of bias
  • Skydance is promising to end diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
  • The companies are planning to complete the merger by August 7, 2024

Why it matters

  • The merger combines one of Hollywood's oldest companies (Paramount, founded in 1914) with Skydance Media
  • The FCC approval signals potential changes in how CBS and other Paramount properties operate
  • According to FCC head Brendan Carr, Americans "no longer trust the legacy national news media" and changes are needed
  • The merger affects major media brands including Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, BET, MTV, and Comedy Central
  • The entertainment giant Paramount has been struggling financially over the past decade

What's next

  • The merger is expected to be completed on August 7, 2024

Read full article from source: BBC