Skydance, a company seeking FCC approval for its acquisition of Paramount, has pledged to address perceived biases at CBS News as part of its commitment to the regulatory process. In a move to secure approval for the takeover, Skydance has announced plans to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and introduce an “ombudsman” role at CBS News. The proposed measures aim to address concerns about bias within the news organization.

Skydance’s promise to eradicate DEI efforts and introduce an ombudsman position comes amidst the company’s efforts to gain regulatory approval for the acquisition of Paramount. These proposed changes are positioned as steps towards ensuring fairness and impartiality within CBS News. The company’s commitment to addressing bias within the news outlet is seen as a strategic move to appease regulators and stakeholders.

Legal experts emphasize that while addressing bias is crucial, the implementation of such measures could spark debates over journalistic integrity and editorial independence. The introduction of an ombudsman at CBS News could potentially impact the newsroom dynamics and raise questions about the autonomy of the editorial process. Critics argue that such interventions might compromise the news outlet’s ability to operate independently.

Industry analysts suggest that Skydance’s pledge to combat bias at CBS News reflects the growing scrutiny over media organizations’ editorial practices and the regulatory environment under the current administration. The proposed changes at CBS News underscore the increasing pressure on media companies to address concerns about bias and maintain transparency in their operations. As the FCC evaluates Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount, the company’s commitment to addressing bias at CBS News will likely be a focal point in the regulatory review process.