As it works to gain FCC approval, Skydance Media, which is seeking to merge with Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News, has made additional overtures it hopes will lead to a green light.
According to Variety, Skydance’s chief attorneys sent a letter to FCC Chair Brendan Carr on Tuesday, July 22, indicating that the company will install an ombudsman to review “complaints of bias or other concerns” at CBS News.
Skydance added that by installing the ombudsman, it will ensure that there is “viewpoint diversity” at the broadcaster and its various units.
The media company also confirmed that Paramount has eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
This latest salvo in the pursuit of closing the long-planned merger comes as CBS and CBS News have been entangled in political controversies over the past year.
Last week, CBS announced that it will be ending its late-night variety show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, in 2026. CBS has stated that the decision to end the show was purely a financial one, but Colbert has been known to be an ardent critic of the president.
Late Night’s cancellation came nearly two weeks after Paramount Global and Trump reached a $16 million settlement. It brought to a close the lawsuit filed by Trump and his campaign, accusing CBS News of “deceitful” editing during a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President and then-Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
As part of the settlement, CBS News issued no statement of apology or regret for the 60 Minutes interview with Harris.
The majority of the $16 million settlement will go towards Trump’s future presidential library. This agreement was similar to ABC News’ when it settled with the president for $20 million in December.
Settling the case was reportedly a top priority for Paramount Global’s head, Shari Redstone, as she seeks to complete a long-anticipated sale to Skydance Media. That company is run by David Ellison, whose father, Larry Ellison, backed Trump during his re-election campaign.
