FCC approves controversial Skydance acquisition amid Trump administration allegations

On July 24, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Skydance's $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global, a decision that has sparked various controversies and allegations of corruption involving the Trump administration. The commission voted 2-1 in favor of the merger, which encompasses all of Paramount's subsidiaries, including Paramount Pictures and CBS television. The approval concluded a long phase of uncertainty surrounding the deal, marked by complexities, notably involving President Donald Trump's contentious relationship with CBS News, which led to significant financial settlements. Under this agreement, Skydance made specific commitments, including providing diverse viewpoints in news and entertainment programming. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr heralded the merger as a beneficial change that aims to rebuild public trust in media. However, these commitments raised concerns regarding their sincerity and potential implications, particularly as they align with the Trump administration's efforts to downplay diversity in media operations. The merger approval came on the heels of a $16 million settlement between Paramount Global and Trump, which was criticized by many as a political maneuver rather than a legitimate business arrangement. Critics argue that this settlement demonstrates how the media can become entwined with political power, compromising journalistic integrity. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the only dissenting vote in the commission, criticized the merger as an act of cowardice, suggesting it poses a threat to First Amendment rights and encourages further instances of government overreach. Moreover, the timing of events raised suspicion, as the FCC's approval of the merger coincided closely with the settlement with Trump. Democratic Senators Ed Markey and Ben Ray Lujan denounced the approval as damaging to independent journalism and underscored the potential for similar future abuses under the guise of corporate and political alliances. They emphasized the historical significance of this approval in FCC's reputation and connected it to growing concerns about media freedom in the United States.