Skydance’s New Commitments Ahead of Paramount Merger

Skydance has made fresh pledges to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as it appears to be accelerating its merger with Paramount. This includes a commitment to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at CBS News and to appoint an ombudsman focused on addressing media bias within the network.

The studio, known for its blockbuster hits like “Mission: Impossible,” outlined its plans in a letter to the FCC, stating it would undertake a “comprehensive review” of CBS following the merger’s approval. The goal is to ensure the network serves the public interest.

As part of this initiative, an ombudsman will be introduced for a minimum of two years, tasked with addressing “complaints of bias and other issues” directly to the president of CBS News, as detailed in a letter previously highlighted by the Hollywood Reporter.

Interestingly, Skydance expressed intention to phase out current DEI programs at CBS News, a move that reflects a shift in its approach. A recent letter suggests that former President Trump had confirmed expectations around controlling Paramount, hinting at additional financial benefits linked to advertising and public service announcements.

These public service announcements are reportedly associated with a conservative agenda endorsed by Trump, according to sources. This comes in light of a $16 million settlement concerning CBS News, tied to a contentious “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris.

While Skydance did not immediately verify this settlement figure, its letter indicated a commitment to a narrative that represents diverse audiences while adhering to non-discrimination regulations. This shift will influence CBS’s employment practices, promotions, and even the diversity goals regarding suppliers.

Moreover, the Global Inclusion office will be dissolved as part of this strategy. Skydance is currently pursuing FCC approval to transfer CBS’s broadcasting licenses, a crucial aspect of the acquisition process that has been underway for roughly a year.

There are lingering doubts that Trump’s ongoing lawsuit against CBS over the “60 Minutes” incident might complicate the merger process. In its communication, Skydance referenced the Trump administration’s recent executive order on DEI and the repeal of the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action as justifications for its policy changes.

Earlier this year, after scrutinizing Comcast’s DEI practices, FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr emphasized that media firms under FCC regulation need to move away from what he termed “mysterious forms of DEI discrimination.” His comments underscored a growing sentiment that it may be time for these entities to reevaluate their diversity policies.