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3h ago

Adam Schiff Seeks FCC Records on Trump-Linked Skydance–Paramount Merger

Schiff wants FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s internal records on the merger by Aug. 25 as part of an inquiry into possible political interference.

A drone view shows the Paramount water tower on the Paramount studio lot in Hollywood before the Paramount Global $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media is expected to be completed this week, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 5, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
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Overview

  • On Aug. 18 Sen. Adam Schiff formally requested all internal communications, First Amendment analyses and meeting notes related to the Skydance–Paramount merger, setting an Aug. 25 deadline for replies.
  • Schiff noted the FCC’s July approval followed a $16 million settlement President Trump secured with CBS over a ‘60 Minutes’ interview, prompting questions about regulatory impartiality.
  • The approved deal included novel conditions—a CBS News ombudsman and the rollback of DEI programs—that legal experts say may exceed the FCC’s authority on editorial matters.
  • Skydance, Paramount and CBS maintain the settlement and programming decisions were lawful and unconnected to merger approval, while the FCC has not yet publicly responded.
  • Lawmakers and watchdogs have launched bipartisan congressional letters, an ethics complaint with the Freedom of the Press Foundation and a D.C. Bar referral to probe potential anti-bribery or ethical violations.