The recent approval of an $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has stirred significant debate. This decision seems to be influenced by changes within CBS, perceived as attempts to appease President Donald Trump. Notably, the merger stipulates the introduction of an ombudsman tasked with monitoring the media company’s alleged political biases.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has taken to various platforms to discuss this development. He believes CBS’s commitments to address bias and promote fact-based reporting are essential, especially given the public’s declining trust in legacy media. As Carr stated on Newsmax, “If they stick with that commitment, we’re sort of in a trust-but-verify mode, and that’ll be a big win.”
1. What Specific Changes Will CBS Implement?
According to Carr, CBS has promised to eliminate “invidious forms of DEI.” This terminology echoes initiatives by the Trump administration aimed at reshaping leadership dynamics within governmental agencies. There’s speculation about revamping the iconic show 60 Minutes to embrace a more fact-driven approach, which some believe might create a cultural shift at CBS.
2. Who Will Monitor CBS’s Compliance?
One significant aspect of this merger is the stipulation for an ombudsman to be installed for two years. This individual will function as a bias monitor who will report directly to the President, a move that raises eyebrows regarding First Amendment rights and the editorial independence of media outlets.
3. How Has Trump Engaged with CBS in the Past?
It is also noteworthy that Trump has previously sued CBS News over an interview with Kamala Harris, an action that many legal experts deemed frivolous. Ultimately, CBS paid a $16 million settlement to Trump, a decision that stirred controversy and prompted discussions about media integrity. Late-night host Stephen Colbert humorously labeled it a “big fat bribe.” Just days later, CBS announced Colbert’s show would be canceled, a choice celebrated by Trump.
4. Does “Wokeness” Affect TV Networks?
During a conversation with Newsmax host Greg Kelly, Carr refrained from acknowledging if networks could adopt “woke” policies, instead emphasizing that CBS had cancelled Colbert due to business decisions. Kelly remarked that Colbert had crossed a line with his humor aimed at Trump, suggesting he was “biting the hand that feeds him.”
5. What Challenges Do Late-Night Shows Face Today?
Though Colbert’s show ranked number one in its time slot, the late-night format has recently encountered significant challenges, particularly with advertisers shifting away from traditional media. Carr pointed out that while Colbert’s ratings mirrored those of David Letterman in the 1990s, the landscape has drastically changed, impacting profitability across the industry.
CNN correspondent Anna Gomez criticized the merger’s approval as a capitulation to the current administration, yet Carr sidestepped direct questions regarding any potential quid pro quo. He stressed that Trump’s 2016 campaign fundamentally altered the media landscape, sparking a transformation of how political narratives are developed.
As Carr concluded, the ongoing evolution in media reflects a broader sentiment: many Americans simply do not trust mainstream outlets. There’s a growing call for a course correction across the industry—a sentiment echoing from various transitional shifts within media companies.
Would a more fact-based reporting framework rebuild trust in media? Only time will tell how these significant shifts will play out. For those interested in gaining insights into modern media dynamics, stay tuned for more updates from Moyens I/O.