The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially approved the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global, clearing the final regulatory hurdle in a deal worth $8 billion. The decision paves the way for a major transformation in the U.S. media landscape, uniting one of Hollywood’s most prominent independent studios with a legacy media giant.
The deal, led by Skydance CEO David Ellison — son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison — is expected to close within weeks, according to sources familiar with the matter. Paramount, owner of CBS, Paramount Pictures, and cable networks such as MTV, will now be combined with Skydance, which is known for producing blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Trump-Era Influence and Political Undertones
The approval comes against the backdrop of a controversial lawsuit between Paramount and U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier this month, Paramount settled a defamation suit filed by Trump over a 60 Minutes segment, agreeing to pay $16 million — $15 million to the Trump Presidential Library and $1 million for legal fees. Trump had alleged that the show misleadingly edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee and vocal critic of the mainstream press, reportedly spent several months reviewing the merger. In a Fox News interview, Carr linked his support for the deal to concerns over media bias, stating:
“When President Trump ran for election, he ran right at these legacy broadcast media outfits… we need a course correction.”
Carr approved the merger only after Skydance committed to introducing programming reforms aimed at promoting ideological diversity across its networks, including CBS.
“Americans no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately and fairly,” Carr said in a statement.
“Skydance will adopt measures that can root out the bias that has undermined trust in the national news media.”
Strategic Shifts and Editorial Future
According to people briefed on the plans, Skydance is also in talks to acquire the Free Press, a media outlet founded by journalist and anti-woke commentator Bari Weiss. Weiss, a rising figure among conservative audiences, could play a role in shaping CBS’s editorial direction. Her media brand is reportedly seeking over $200 million in funding.
Sources also claim President Trump hinted at a separate agreement with Ellison, which would grant him $20 million worth of advertising or programming exposure upon completion of the merger. Paramount, however, denied any such clause in the official settlement.
Industry Shake-Up and Redstone Exit
The merger marks the end of an era for the Redstone family’s control over Paramount and CBS. Shari Redstone, who inherited the media empire from her father Sumner Redstone, is expected to step down following the merger.
The deal also comes amid sweeping changes at the network. Just last week, Paramount announced the cancellation of Late Night with Stephen Colbert, citing financial constraints. The show had long been critical of Trump and his administration.
Neither Paramount nor Skydance provided immediate comment on the merger approval.
