ParamountToned Down Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Prior to Skydance Merger. Now Responsibility Lies with the Federal Communications Commission
In a significant development, Paramount Global is awaiting the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) approval for the sale of its broadcast licenses to Skydance Media. The potential merger has sparked concerns among CBS affiliates and conservative-leaning groups, including the Center for American Rights, over issues such as news bias, affiliate fees, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
Recent discussions between CBS affiliates, lawyers, and FCC staffers have highlighted concerns about the merger's implications for local stations. The affiliates are urging the FCC to impose conditions that would strengthen local stations and address these issues [1]. However, there is no clear indication of how these discussions might affect news bias or DEI efforts.
The Center for American Rights, a nonprofit public interest law firm known for its conservative leanings, has filed complaints alleging news bias at US media outlets, including Paramount. The organization has also suggested the need for an independent ombudsman to settle complaints about coverage as part of the merger conditions.
Brendan Carr, an FCC commissioner appointed by President Trump, has indicated he will consider the context of Paramount's plans to end "invidious" forms of discrimination in media companies' DEI policies during the merger review. Carr, who is known for his support of Trump and attacks on the press, has stated that he will assess how CBS handled the Harris interview in the context of the agency's merger review.
The FCC is also reviewing CBS News for a violation of news distortion rules in its "60 Minutes" interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. President Trump, who filed a separate lawsuit against Paramount, claiming the interview was edited to give Harris an advantage in the polls, has expressed similar concerns.
If the FCC establishes conditions on the merger, it could follow guidelines from the Center for American Rights' complaints, such as the appointment of broadcast executives and editorial staff in cities other than New York and Los Angeles to balance viewpoints.
While the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media progresses, the FCC's review and the concerns raised by various parties will be closely watched. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of media in the US.
[1] "CBS Affiliates Urge FCC to Address Concerns Over Paramount-Skydance Merger" - Broadcasting & Cable, [date not specified]
- The prospects of the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media have stirred concerns not only among CBS affiliates, but also in the realm of business, finance, and general-news, as parties such as the Center for American Rights have raised issues about news bias, affiliate fees, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
- With the FCC reviewing CBS News for alleged news distortion and the Center for American Rights advocating for conditions like the appointment of broadcast executives in cities beyond New York and Los Angeles to balance viewpoints, the intersection of politics, entertainment, and business in the media industry will be under intense scrutiny during the merger.
