The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially approved the $8.4 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, clearing the final roadblock for the deal to close.
The decision allows Paramount, which owns CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Paramount Pictures, to move forward with new leadership under Skydance CEO David Ellison.
The FCC's vote on Thursday passed 2–1. Republican Chair Brendan Carr supported the merger, praising Skydance's plans to overhaul CBS News and make content more politically balanced.
He highlighted the company's promise to appoint an ombudsman to review editorial complaints and its decision to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
"Skydance has made written commitments to ensuring the new company's programming will reflect a wide range of viewpoints and remain fair and fact-based," Carr said. He also noted the importance of the company's pledge to work closely with local CBS stations, CBS News said.
However, the approval didn't come without controversy. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez strongly opposed the deal, citing concerns about how the FCC handled a separate lawsuit involving former President Donald Trump.
Just days after Paramount settles with Trump for $36 million, the FCC approved its merger in a partisan vote. This timing speaks for itself. This is dark and sad day for the FCC. pic.twitter.com/r3vyFZjFnT
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) July 24, 2025
Read more: Paramount Settles Trump Media Suit for $16 Million, Will Release Future Interview Transcripts
FCC Insists Trump Lawsuit Didn't Sway Merger Decision
Just weeks before the FCC's decision, Paramount agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by Trump over a "60 Minutes" interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris.
According to USA Today, the settlement, which included a $16 million payment—most of it earmarked for Trump's future presidential library—also required CBS to publish transcripts of future presidential interviews after they air.
"I cannot support this order in light of the payout and other troubling concessions Paramount made," Gomez said in her dissent.
"This once-independent FCC used its power to pressure a private settlement and further erode press freedom."
Despite the concerns, the FCC maintained that the lawsuit had no effect on its decision-making process. Carr said the focus remained on the merger's potential to revitalize CBS and enhance local news.
Skydance and its financial partner, RedBird Capital, emphasized transparency and fairness in their new plans for CBS.
The companies are also bringing in new leadership: Ellison will serve as chairman and CEO of the merged company, while Jeff Shell, former head of NBCUniversal, will be president.
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