Ex-CBS anchor worries that the network will lose its autonomy due to a media merger

Concerns Over CBS and Skydance Media Merger

Former CBS anchor Connie Chung expressed her apprehensions on CNN about the recent merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, suggesting it might signal the decline of traditional journalism as we know it.

The FCC approved an $8 billion merger this past Thursday, with the finalization expected by August 7. This decision follows various controversies surrounding CBS, a division of Paramount.

In her comments, Chung raised concerns that the newly established Paramount Skydance Corp. may compromise the independence of the networks she once represented. She lamented that CBS, historically known for its autonomy, might be losing that very essence.

“I’m genuinely worried about the end of CBS, who would’ve thought?” she remarked on “CNN News Central.” “CBS has always been an independent network. Its news department was not always subject to outside pressures, including those from political figures.”

Continuing, she stated, “What we once recognized as honest journalism is now tainted, and figures like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite—their type of journalism is fading away.” She noted that past CBS presidents, like Frank Stanton, were defenders of journalistic integrity.

Chung held Shari Redstone, Paramount’s primary shareholder, and David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance Media, accountable for “polluting journalism” with “greed.” She criticized the new company for considering a rollback on diversity initiatives, seeing it as a disservice to women and minorities in the industry.

There has been notable pushback among journalists against CBS, especially regarding the handling of Trump-related controversies, with Chung among those voicing discontent.

“I find it hard to accept their statements. The claims that the ‘60 Minutes’ agreement and other settlements were unrelated to the merger seem questionable,” Chung continued, emphasizing her distrust.

Paramount is facing significant backlash, including criticism from some of its own employees. Veteran “60 Minutes” producer Roma Hartman described the settlement with Trump as a “sick surrender” from the corporate leadership, labeling it a betrayal of CBS News.

In response to the merger and its implications, several prominent figures including Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Ron Wyden have reached out to Ellison for clarification on the circumstances surrounding the settlement and other decisions made recently.