Skydance commits to eradicating DEI initiatives at CBS News post-merger

In 2024, Skydance Media sought approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to merge with Paramount Global. As part of the merger negotiations, Skydance CEO David Ellison pledged to undertake a comprehensive review of CBS News, focusing on addressing perceived biases. This includes the introduction of an ombudsman responsible for evaluating complaints regarding bias within the network. Furthermore, Skydance promised to abolish the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from Paramount, aligning with the Trump administration's policies that discouraged such practices in the media industry. The approval process has garnered significant political scrutiny, given the context of recent settlements involving controversies surrounding CBS News and former President Donald Trump. Skydance's commitment to eliminate DEI protocols includes a clear directive that no DEI programs would be instituted after the merger. The letters submitted to the FCC highlighted that the new combined entity would emphasize unbiased journalism, aiming to represent a wide range of political and ideological perspectives to align with the viewing audience's diverse viewpoints. This is particularly important to the Trump-aligned FCC, which has issued warnings against media companies that maintain DEI frameworks. The developments of the proposed merger coincide with other critical media events, including a $16 million settlement by Paramount Global over a lawsuit filed by Trump related to a controversial interview aired on CBS's 60 Minutes. This lawsuit and its settlement raised concerns regarding potential political influence over media operations and editorial decisions within CBS News. Allegations emerged that the settlement might have been viewed as a form of political investment, with implications that it was connected to Trump seeking leverage over media coverage. The merger discussion also highlights a broader trend in the media landscape, where companies are being scrutinized for their diversity policies amid a push by some political figures to eliminate DEI programs. The FCC, under Trump appointees, initiated investigations into the DEI practices of major broadcasters like Disney and Comcast, paralleling Skydance's intentions for Paramount's management. As media ownership changes hands to Skydance, the implications of these policy shifts on newsroom culture and editorial independence remain a topic of speculation and concern across the industry.