Skydance Vows to End DEI Programs, Appoint Ombudsman in Paramount Merger

Skydance, the company poised to acquire Paramount in an $8 billion merger, told federal regulators it will eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and install an ombudsman at CBS News to address “complaints of bias.”

According to NBC NEWS. the commitments were outlined in filings submitted Tuesday to the Federal Communications Commission and published Wednesday. Skydance general counsel Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon said the ombudsman role would remain in place for “at least two years.”

The move comes amid political scrutiny of CBS News, which has faced criticism from former President Donald Trump and allies, particularly over a “60 Minutes” interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris. Paramount ultimately settled a lawsuit from Trump for $16 million.

In her letter to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, McKinnon wrote that “New Paramount’s new management will ensure... a diversity of viewpoints across the political and ideological spectrum.”

Skydance CEO David Ellison also emphasized a commitment to “unbiased journalism” and “American storytelling” during a recent meeting with Carr. Ellison is the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, a Trump ally, though David Ellison has donated to President Joe Biden’s campaign.

The FCC continues to investigate news distortion at CBS and DEI practices at other media companies, including Comcast and Disney.