Skydance Assures FCC of Appointing CBS News Ombudsman to Address 'Allegations of Partiality,' Affirms Elimination of DEI at Paramount
Skydance Media, in its proposed $8 billion merger with Paramount Global, has committed to the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at both companies as a condition for regulatory approval.
Last week, Skydance's CEO David Ellison expressed the company's commitment to unbiased journalism and presenting a diverse array of viewpoints during a meeting with FCC officials. This commitment was reiterated in a letter from Skydance's counsel, dated July 22, and posted publicly on the FCC website.
To address concerns over journalistic impartiality, Skydance has pledged to install an ombudsman to review "complaints of bias or other concerns" involving CBS. The ombudsman will report to the President of New Paramount.
However, Skydance has clarified that it does not have DEI programs in place and will not establish such initiatives. This decision was made in response to recent Executive Orders, the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SFFA), and federal mandates.
Paramount has also made changes to its DEI programs, ensuring they are consistent with equal opportunity and governing law. The company will not engage in any DEI-related disparate treatment in hiring decisions and will focus on attracting talent from all geographies, backgrounds, and perspectives.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted approval to the merger, emphasizing the importance of maintaining viewpoint diversity in CBS broadcasts. The approval was not without controversy, with one commissioner expressing concerns over the $16 million settlement to a lawsuit filed by then-President Donald Trump.
The merger will solidify a sizable media conglomerate with a potentially redefined approach to social and political issues within its operations. Jeff Shell, former head of NBCUniversal, is set to become president of the new Skydance Paramount Corp., while David Ellison will serve as CEO and chairman.
Critics have raised concerns that these moves may result in a reduction of inclusive practices and diverse perspectives in programming and employment. The implications of this development are significant, potentially reversing or rolling back DEI progress within Paramount and its subsidiaries.
In response to these concerns, Skydance has emphasized its commitment to ensuring that CBS's reporting remains fair, unbiased, and fact-based. The introduction of the ombudsman role is seen as a renewed emphasis on perceived journalistic neutrality, likely influencing newsroom policies and editorial oversight.
This decision to eliminate DEI initiatives reflects broader political and regulatory pressures shaping media consolidation today, with implications for industry standards on diversity and inclusion going forward.
[1] The New York Times. (2025, August 1). Skydance and Paramount Agree to End Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/business/media/skydance-paramount-dei.html
[2] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, August 1). FCC Approves Skydance-Paramount Merger with Conditions. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/fcc-approves-skydance-paramount-merger-with-conditions-11631441009
- In a surprising turn of events, Skydance Media, despite its previous commitments to unbiased journalism, has decided to abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as revealed in a report by The New York Times.
- As technology advances and entertainment preferences evolve, the elimination of DEI programs by Skydance and Paramount in their $8 billion merger reflects a shift towards a lifestyle that prioritizes general news and sports content over education-and-self-development, casino-and-gambling, and other niche interests.
- The implications of this decision extend beyond the media industry, potentially setting a precedent for other mergers and acquisitions in the technology sector, where DEI initiatives could face similar challenges in maintaining their prominence.
