Paramount-Skydance Merger Cleared by FCC Amidst Trump Influence Allegations, Set for August 7 Close

The highly scrutinized $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media has received final approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is now slated to close on August 7. This landmark deal, which will end the Redstone family’s long reign over Paramount, has drawn significant attention due to its political undertones and perceived concessions to the Trump administration.

The FCC’s green light follows a series of controversial developments, including a recent $16 million settlement paid by Paramount to former President Donald Trump. This payment stemmed from a lawsuit Trump filed against CBS, a Paramount property, over an edited 60 Minutes interview during the 2024 presidential election campaign. Trump publicly confirmed receiving the settlement on July 22, also claiming expectations of an additional $20 million in free advertising from the ‘new owners.’

Adding to the controversy, the cancellation of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ a top-rated program known for its satirical critiques of Trump, fueled speculation about appeasement efforts, despite the network citing financial reasons. Days later, on July 22, Trump expressed satisfaction with the show’s cancellation and called for more comedians to be ousted, stating, ‘I hope I played a major part in it!’

Upon approving the merger, Brendan Carr, Trump’s appointee to lead the FCC, issued a statement echoing the president’s criticisms of mainstream media. Carr indicated that the merger would lead to significant changes at CBS, with Skydance committing to ensure programming embodies a ‘diversity of viewpoints’ and to appoint an ombudsman for at least two years. The new entity will also be barred from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

The immediate aftermath of the FCC approval saw Comedy Central’s ‘South Park’ air an episode directly mocking Trump and satirizing the $16 million settlement, with an animated Jesus character alluding to Paramount’s alleged capitulation. The Trump administration has since dismissed the show as irrelevant.

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