Two Democratic senators are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to hold a full Commission vote on the proposed merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, citing serious concerns over CBS News’ editorial independence following a multimillion-dollar legal settlement with President Donald Trump.
Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) sent a letter Thursday to FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty — a Trump appointee — warning that the $16 million settlement between Paramount (CBS’s parent company) and Trump “raises serious questions” about the network’s journalistic autonomy.
“Paramount’s recent agreement to settle a frivolous lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump against CBS… over its editorial decision-making raises serious questions about Paramount’s rationale for the settlement and its implications for media independence,” the senators wrote.
Background: Settlement and Merger
Last week, Paramount and CBS agreed to settle Trump’s $20 billion election interference lawsuit, which alleged that a 60 Minutes interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris had been edited to boost her image ahead of the 2024 election. Trump claimed the segment amounted to unethical manipulation and attempted election interference.
Although Democrats have widely dismissed the suit as “baseless,” the $16 million payout — reportedly pushed by Paramount’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone — was seen by critics as a strategic move to secure approval for the Paramount-Skydance merger by avoiding further scrutiny from Trump’s FCC.
Fox News Digital reports the total payout to Trump could exceed $30 million, with part of the settlement directed toward his future presidential library and additional funds allocated for pro-conservative messaging under the new ownership.
Lawmakers Sound Alarm
Markey and Luján argue that the settlement’s timing — just as Paramount seeks federal approval for a major media merger — casts a “shadow” over the deal and could undermine the public’s trust in press freedom.
“The Paramount-Skydance merger is unique in the FCC’s storied history, with the sitting President actively litigating against a news organization whose parent is seeking FCC approval of a major media merger,” they wrote.
They called on the FCC to avoid a rubber-stamp approval through its Media Bureau and instead bring the merger to a public vote before the full Commission.
“The FCC owes the public a transparent, deliberative process on such a high-profile and controversial issue,” the senators stated.
CBS Fallout and Industry Reaction
The settlement has sparked outrage within CBS, with veteran journalists like Steve Kroft and others calling it a “shakedown.” One top 60 Minutes producer reportedly resigned, citing concerns over editorial interference and lack of newsroom independence.
Still, Paramount defended the decision, stating the move was purely business.
“Companies often settle litigation to avoid unpredictable legal costs, the risk of adverse judgment, and reputational damage,” a Paramount spokesperson said. “Settlement offers a resolution that allows us to focus on our core objectives.”
What’s Next
The FCC has not yet commented on whether it will heed the call for a full vote or allow the Media Bureau to proceed. The agency’s final decision could set a significant precedent for how political pressure, editorial independence, and corporate consolidation intersect in the media landscape.
Meanwhile, public interest groups and media watchdogs are expected to weigh in as scrutiny over the deal intensifies.
