A pivotal moment for the future of media operations is unfolding as Skydance Media seeks crucial regulatory approval for its multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Paramount Global. To secure the indispensable endorsement from President Trump’s Federal Communications Commission, Skydance has formally detailed commitments to fundamentally alter existing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at Paramount and to introduce an independent oversight mechanism for perceived bias within CBS News, aligning with prevailing administrative priorities.
- Skydance Media is seeking FCC approval for its acquisition of Paramount Global.
- The acquisition hinges on commitments to modify Paramount’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
- Specific DEI initiatives, including numerical hiring goals based on race, ethnicity, sex, or gender, will be eliminated.
- An independent ombudsman will be established to review bias complaints concerning CBS News programming.
- The commitments follow Paramount Global and CBS’s recent settlement of an election interference lawsuit filed by President Trump.
Key Policy Adjustments
In a significant policy shift, Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon, Skydance’s general counsel, confirmed to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr the complete elimination of specific DEI initiatives previously in place at Paramount. Skydance itself operates without such programs and has pledged not to establish them post-merger. This strategic realignment includes Paramount ceasing any DEI-related disparate treatment in hiring decisions and discontinuing the use of numerical goals tied to race, ethnicity, sex, or gender for job applicants or hires in the United States. Instead, the focus will transition to a broader strategy of attracting talent from diverse geographies, backgrounds, and perspectives, ensuring compliance with non-discrimination requirements and applicable laws across all operational facets, including promotions and compensation. This approach signals a move toward a merit-based system that emphasizes broad talent pools rather than specific demographic targets, aligning with evolving regulatory expectations.
Governance and Regulatory Context
Further demonstrating its commitment to transparent and accountable journalistic practices, Skydance has committed to establishing an ombudsman position for at least two years post-merger. This ombudsman, reporting directly to the president of the newly formed “New Paramount,” will be tasked with receiving and evaluating any complaints of bias or other concerns involving CBS’s news programming. Executive leadership will then carefully consider these findings in their oversight, fostering greater accountability. This proactive measure comes as Paramount Global and CBS recently settled an election interference lawsuit brought by President Trump, a move widely perceived to mitigate potential regulatory friction and smooth the path for the merger’s approval. The acquiring entity anticipates significant efficiencies and a substantial impact on the future of broadcasting, underscoring the strategic importance of these pre-emptive concessions.
Jonathan Reed received his MA in Journalism from Columbia University and has reported on corporate governance and leadership for major business magazines. His coverage focuses on executive decision-making, startup innovation, and the evolving role of technology in driving business growth.