Skydance Media’s Commitments Amid Paramount Global Merger: A Shift Away from DEI Policies

Skydance Media is taking a decisive step in its acquisition of Paramount Global, especially regarding its approach to programming and diversity. The company aims to eliminate perceived liberal bias across CBS and other platforms while discontinuing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives altogether.

Background on the Merger

The merger between Paramount and Skydance, valued at $8 billion, has faced scrutiny and regulatory hurdles. Specifically, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been reviewing the deal, leading to discussions about potential biases in broadcast content. Although left-leaning commentators suggested that a lawsuit from former President Trump concerning CBS’s practices contributed to the prolonged review, both the FCC and Paramount stated there is no connection between the two events.

Lawsuit Settlement and Regulatory Compliance

Following Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Trump, which reportedly unfettered the merger’s progression, Skydance executives have engaged actively with FCC commissioners to finalize their plans. A pivotal letter from Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon, Skydance’s General Counsel, confirmed the company’s commitment to eliminate DEI initiatives.

“Skydance, for its part, does not have DEI programs in place today and will not establish such initiatives,” McKinnon stated.

Changes to DEI Policies

Under the new management structure, Paramount will make significant changes to its hiring practices:

• No DEI-related hiring practices: Skydance will not set any numerical goals based on race, sex, or gender for hiring decisions.
• Focus on talent: The company will prioritize attracting talent from diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds without discrimination.
• Promotions and internal policies: Promotions will be awarded based solely on non-discriminatory criteria, and there will be no DEI objectives in compensation plans.

The elimination of DEI initiatives at CBS had begun prior to the merger discussions due to directives from the Trump administration that called for reduced reliance on diversity initiatives within large corporations.

CBS’s Historical Context with DEI

CBS previously had one of the most robust DEI programs in the media industry, instituting targets for racial representation after the George Floyd incidents in 2020. Key policies included pledges to allocate a significant portion of its development budget to BIPOC creators and ensure diverse representation in writers’ rooms. However, these commitments have been reassessed and are now being rolled back.

Future Commitment to “Unbiased Journalism”

While eliminating DEI initiatives, Skydance emphasizes a dedication to producing impartial content. McKinnon highlighted:

“We are committed to presenting a diverse array of viewpoints on television to ensure that our programming embodies a diversity of opinions.”

Oversight Mechanisms

To reinforce this commitment, the new leadership will establish an ombudsman position at CBS dedicated to receiving and evaluating reports of bias for a minimum of two years post-merger.

Speculation About Programming Changes

As media experts discuss the impending changes, thoughts circulate regarding how Skydance might incorporate more conservative voices into CBS programming. Notably, there have been conversations about hiring influential figures like Bari Weiss, co-founder of the Free Press, to guide ideological and content strategies.

The speculation raises questions about whether Skydance will address liberal bias accusations further, including potential advertising commitments to unify differing viewpoints as they navigate the political landscape.

Conclusion: A New Direction for Paramount

As Skydance prepares to take the helm at Paramount, the proposed overhaul of DEI initiatives and emphasis on unbiased content may drastically shift the media landscape. The forthcoming changes have drawn considerable interest, particularly in the wake of ongoing discussions about bias and representation in the industry. With the FCC’s approval anticipated soon, the strategies set forth by Skydance will be closely monitored as they unfold in the coming months.

Stay updated on this critical merger and its implications for media policies and practices by following developments in media news outlets and the FCC’s regulatory updates.

For more on mergers and acquisitions in the media landscape, visit Variety and The Wall Street Journal.