The Paramount Merger: Media Power, Politics, and Controversy

The Paramount merger with Skydance Media has ignited widespread controversy, not only within the entertainment industry but also in political and journalistic circles. At the center of this $8.44 billion deal are allegations of political interference, media consolidation, and the unsettling intersection of profits and press freedom.

Background: What Is the Paramount Merger?

BREAKING NEWS: Trump’s government just approved Paramount’s merger with Skydance.

Sure looks like they paid Donald Trump $36 MILLION for this merger.

Bribery is illegal no matter who is president. pic.twitter.com/DE7LPRjT6X

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 24, 2025

In a move that could reshape the American media landscape, Paramount Global—owner of CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more—announced its intention to merge with Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, son of Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison. The Paramount merger aims to consolidate assets in order to compete with streaming giants like Netflix and Disney.

But this isn’t just a business deal. It has been accompanied by troubling developments: leadership shakeups at CBS, a $16 million settlement to Donald Trump over a defamation lawsuit, and the abrupt cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

A $16 Million Settlement: Coincidence or Bribe?

Earlier this year, Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump, who objected to the way 60 Minutes edited an interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris. Legal experts say the lawsuit had little merit and was unlikely to succeed in court.

So why did Paramount settle?

Many critics—including media watchdog Jeff Cohen—believe the payment was a “thinly disguised bribe” designed to smooth the path for FCC approval of the Paramount merger. The timing raised eyebrows, especially as it was followed by the resignation of 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens and CBS News president Wendy McMahon.

The End of Late Night at CBS

Just days after Paramount settles with Trump for $36 million, the FCC approved its merger in a partisan vote. This timing speaks for itself. This is dark and sad day for the FCC. pic.twitter.com/r3vyFZjFnT

— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) July 24, 2025

Just days after the settlement was announced, Stephen Colbert revealed that The Late Show will end in May 2026. CBS attributed the decision to “purely financial” reasons, citing the costs of late-night television.

Yet critics aren’t convinced. The Late Show remains the highest-rated network late-night program. Media observers, including Daily Show host Jon Stewart, questioned the decision, hinting at political motives and network appeasement as part of the broader strategy to secure regulatory approval for the merger.

Jeff Cohen, co-founder of RootsAction.org, noted, “You learn more from a 10-minute monologue from these comedians than you do from a month of watching network news.” His comment underscores the cultural and journalistic role late-night satire has played, roles now at risk.

Behind Skydance: The Ellison-Trump Connection

David Ellison, Skydance’s CEO, is no stranger to influence. His father, Larry Ellison, is a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. Reports suggest that the Paramount merger may include a “side deal” where Skydance-Paramount commits up to $20 million in public service announcements supporting Trump-related causes.

While unconfirmed, these claims have sparked fears of political propaganda being funneled through mainstream entertainment channels. If true, this would mark a dangerous precedent for political influence in corporate media.

Legal and Shareholder Pushback

Trump is bragging that he got $16M from CBS.

Pay attention to the hilighted part where he says he’ll get $20M in PSA advertising from the new owners.

This was a shakedown so Paramount could complete its merger with Skydance which requires government approval.

Corruption. pic.twitter.com/xuXnMhkGW8

— Turnbull (@cturnbull1968) July 22, 2025

The Freedom of the Press Foundation has announced plans to file a shareholder lawsuit against Paramount Chair Shari Redstone, accusing her of prioritizing personal profit over journalistic integrity. Upon merger approval, Redstone stands to gain nearly $2 billion.

Critics argue that this is a textbook case of corporate overreach, where profit, politics, and power converge, jeopardizing press freedom and editorial independence.

What’s Next?

As the Paramount merger awaits final regulatory approval, industry insiders and media advocates are closely watching for signs of editorial shifts at CBS and other Paramount networks. Will political influence shape news coverage? Will independent journalism survive in a conglomerate-driven media system?

The merger is more than a business transaction—it’s a warning sign about who controls the stories we see, hear, and believe.