Media company Skydance communicates to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that Paramount plans to discontinue diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and establish controls to guarantee impartial journalism.

Media company Skydance communicates to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that Paramount plans to discontinue diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and establish controls to guarantee impartial journalism.

In a significant move, the $8-billion merger of Skydance Media and Paramount Global is set to close on August 7, 2025, following approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This merger will mark a significant shift in control for iconic media brands such as CBS, MTV Networks, and Paramount Pictures, with Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder, stepping aside in favour of Larry Ellison and his son David.

The merger has sparked anticipation of organizational upheaval, with the deal described as "the most dramatic change since inception." Skydance and its financial backer, RedBird Capital Partners, have pledged to achieve $2 billion in cost savings post-merger, implying significant restructuring.

Regarding commitments made by Skydance, there is a focus on ensuring fair, unbiased, and fact-based reporting on television. Skydance is fully committed to presenting a diverse array of viewpoints, promoting transparency, and increasing accountability. These commitments have been applauded by FCC Chair, Brendan Carr, in two separate letters to the FCC.

Carr, in his statements, has expressed his belief that President Trump ran against the idea that national programmers control and dictate the narrative for the American people. He also mentioned that alleged complaints about bias will be part of the FCC's merger review.

Skydance has confirmed the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Paramount and will not establish such initiatives. However, Skydance will commit to having an ombudsman in place for at least two years to receive and evaluate any complaints of bias or other concerns involving CBS.

Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has attacked the agency's push to regulate news content at broadcasters, expressing concerns about the erosion of press freedom. The Skydance-Paramount Global merger is currently under review by the FCC.

Skydance also recognizes localism as a core component of the public interest standard and will work closely with its affiliated broadcast stations to ensure a productive partnership. The letters from Skydance regarding the merger can be found online.

In summary, while the merger’s financial terms, closing timeline, leadership changes, and cost-saving goals are well documented, there is no publicly available information within the cited sources about formal pledges by Skydance on DEI initiatives, unbiased journalism, or establishing an ombudsman to handle bias complaints as part of this transaction. The FCC Chair, Brendan Carr, has, however, applauded the promises made by Skydance in this regard.

1. Skydance has pledged to present a diverse range of viewpoints on television, promoting transparency and increasing accountability, a commitment that has been applauded by FCC Chair, Brendan Carr.
2. The merger of Skydance Media and Paramount Global, set to close on August 7, 2025, will see control shifting from Shari Redstone to Larry Ellison and his son David.
3. The merger between Skydance and Paramount has sparked anticipation of organizational upheaval, with the deal described as "the most dramatic change since inception."
4. Skydance will eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Paramount but will commit to having an ombudsman in place for two years to handle complaints of bias.
5. The Skydance-Paramount Global merger is currently under review by the FCC, with concerns about the erosion of press freedom being expressed by Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez.
6. FCC Chair, Brendan Carr, has expressed his belief that national programmers should not control and dictate the narrative for the American people, and alleged complaints about bias will be part of the FCC's merger review.

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