FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has voiced strong opposition to the recent approval of the Skydance-Paramount merger, citing concerns over press freedom and government influence.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez Critiques Skydance-Paramount Merger Approval
The sole Democrat on the FCC, Anna Gomez, delivered a blistering statement regarding the FCC’s approval of the Skydance–Paramount merger, asserting that the companies succumbed to pressure from the Trump administration to finalize the deal.
Gomez’s Opposition to the Merger
Gomez voted against the merger, while FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Olivia Trusty, both Republicans, voted in favor.
“After months of cowardly capitulation to this Administration, Paramount finally got what it wanted. Unfortunately, it is the American public who will ultimately pay the price for its actions,” Gomez stated.
Concerns Over Press Freedom
“In an unprecedented move, this once-independent FCC used its vast power to pressure Paramount to broker a private legal settlement and further erode press freedom. Once again, this agency is undermining legitimate efforts to combat discrimination and expand opportunity by overstepping its authority and intervening in employment matters reserved for other government entities with proper jurisdiction on these issues. Even more alarming, it is now imposing never-before-seen controls over newsroom decisions and editorial judgment, in direct violation of the First Amendment and the law,” she added.
Support for the Merger
In announcing his support for the merger, Carr cited Skydance’s commitment to CBS’ viewpoint diversity, stating that “reporting will be fair, unbiased, and fact-based.” Skydance also committed to appointing an ombudsman for two years to evaluate complaints of bias.
However, Skydance emphasized that these commitments are voluntary. Previously, Skydance and Paramount had argued against conditions imposed by the FCC to mandate benchmarks for viewpoint neutrality, claiming they would be “squarely foreclosed by the First Amendment and Supreme Court precedent.”
Gomez’s Warnings
Gomez contended that Skydance’s acceptance of conditions could jeopardize the freedom of the news division. Earlier, she expressed concern that “the president’s administration has led them to adopt a person who serves as a check on the news division.”
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The FCC approval followed Paramount’s recent settlement of a lawsuit that Trump filed against 60 Minutes regarding the editing of an interview with Kamala Harris. Although the company labeled the lawsuit as meritless, it settled for $16 million while awaiting FCC approval, with funds directed to Trump’s presidential library. Some Democrats have cautioned Skydance and Paramount that they may have violated anti-bribery laws. Paramount stated that the settlement was unrelated to the merger approval, although Trump himself linked the transaction to his 60 Minutes complaint.
Gomez’s Call to Action
Gomez warned that the Trump administration “is not done with its assault on the First Amendment. In fact, it may only be beginning.”
“The Paramount payout and this reckless approval have emboldened those who believe the government can—and should—abuse its power to extract financial and ideological concessions, demand favored treatment, and secure positive media coverage. It is a dark chapter in a long and growing record of abuse that threatens press freedom in this country. Such violations endure only when institutions choose capitulation over courage. It is time for companies, journalists, and citizens alike to stand up and speak out, because unchecked and unquestioned power has no rightful place in America,” she concluded.
Trusty’s Perspective
Trusty remarked, “This transaction reflects the free market at work, where private investment, not government intervention, is preserving an iconic American media institution.”
“During its review of the transaction, the Commission determined the merger was lawful and would serve the public interest. This deal brings fresh leadership, new capital, and a clear plan to compete with dominant tech platforms. Skydance’s commitment to creative excellence and operational discipline offers New Paramount a real path forward in today’s challenging media environment.”
