Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Skydance's FCC Commitment: CBS News Ombudsman, DEI Policy Shift
Imagine a company called Skydance wants to buy another company called Paramount, which owns CBS News.
Before this can happen, the government has to approve it.
To get approval, Skydance said they would set up a special person, an ombudsman, at CBS News.
This person would listen to any complaints about unfairness or bias in the news.
Skydance also said they would get rid of some existing rules about diversity.
The government previously thought that having an ombudsman was a good way to keep news fair when another big company, Comcast, bought NBCUniversal.
So, Skydance is hoping this will help them get approval to buy Paramount.
Skydance pledges to create an ombudsman at CBS News if its Paramount Global acquisition is approved.
The ombudsman will address bias complaints and report to the new Paramount president.
Skydance will end existing DEI policies at Paramount.
The ombudsman role is inspired by Comcast's NBCUniversal acquisition.
The FCC previously viewed an ombudsman as a means of preventing editorial bias.
- Who
- Skydance, CBS News, and the FCC.
- What
- Skydance committed to creating an ombudsman role at CBS News and ending DEI policies.
- When
- In recent filings.
- Where
- At CBS News, owned by Paramount Global.
- Why
- To seek FCC approval for the Paramount Global acquisition.
Arguments for Skydance's Actions
Potential Criticisms
DEI Policies
Arguments for Skydance's Actions
Skydance's actions demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability within CBS News.
Potential Criticisms
Some might believe ending DEI policies could be seen as a step backward in promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Company
- Skydance
- Acquisition Target
- Paramount Global
- News Outlet Affected
- CBS News
- Ombudsman Purpose
- Address bias complaints
- DEI Policy Change
- Ending existing policies
- FCC's Involvement
- Reviewing the acquisition