Skydance Media’s Bold Move for Paramount

Entertainment giant Skydance Media is making headlines with its recent $8 billion bid for Paramount, announcing on Tuesday that the merger will actively avoid any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies to gain approval from the Trump administration.

In a letter from the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, Skydance’s president pledged to dismantle all existing DEI initiatives at Paramount. The letter references an order from President Donald Trump, emphasizing a directive for federal agencies to uphold civil rights laws by eliminating DEI programs considered illegal in the private sector.

Paramount, along with its subsidiary CBS News, has faced scrutiny due to a lawsuit from a former employee claiming unlawful discrimination within the company. The lawsuit alleged that the company favored less experienced candidates from minority groups for promotions. Following the suit, Paramount reached a settlement agreement.

The recent FCC filing indicates the removal of various DEI practices, such as eliminating goals tied to female employee representation and the requirement for spending with diverse suppliers, along with disbanding offices focused solely on global inclusion.

Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon, Skydance’s legal counsel, stated, “The company is committed to ensuring that its storytelling reflects a large audience and complies with non-discrimination requirements.”

Interestingly, other major companies are following suit in line with the Trump administration’s direction. T-Mobile recently disclosed a similar move to eliminate dedicated DEI roles, and Verizon announced it would also scrap its DEI initiatives.

In addition to the DEI shift, Skydance has committed to fostering “equitable journalism” and encouraging diverse viewpoints on screen under the new merger. Paramount has agreed to a $36 million settlement with Trump, stemming from a lawsuit over an alleged manipulated interview involving Kamala Harris on “60 Minutes” shortly before the 2024 election.

Skydance is set to implement an Ombudsman for at least two years to address bias complaints related to CBS reporting.

McKinnon added, “Once the transaction is completed, the new management of Paramount will ensure that our news and entertainment programming reflects diverse perspectives across the political and ideological spectrum, resonating with our audience’s varied viewpoints.”

As of now, Paramount has not provided a comment on these developments.