Paramount-Skydance merger approved after companies agree to government speech demands

image via The Verge

July 24, 2025, 11:57 PM

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Skydance's purchase of CBS-owner Paramount, contingent on ending DEI programs and ensuring diverse viewpoints, which the agency's Democratic commissioner criticized as a First Amendment violation. The approval, driven by concerns of alleged anti-conservative bias, includes an ombudsman to address bias complaints and commitments to fair, unbiased coverage, as well as a $1.5 billion investment in Paramount. The dissenting commissioner warned that the FCC's move could embolden government abuse of power to influence media coverage, threatening press freedom. This decision raises concerns about unchecked power and calls for companies, journalists, and citizens to protect press freedom.

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