Skydance to lead major changes at CBS News

Skydance aims to remove DEI programs and hire an ombudsman to address bias complaints.

Skydance plans sweeping changes at CBS News after merger

Skydance, poised to take over Paramount in an $8 billion deal, has announced significant changes to CBS News. The company revealed it will appoint an ombudsman to investigate complaints of bias within CBS News. This action follows intense scrutiny of CBS's editorial practices, particularly after accusations from Donald Trump regarding media bias. In addition, Skydance plans to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the organization. General Counsel Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon stated that these changes will ensure a broader range of political perspectives in CBS’s reporting.

This announcement from Skydance illustrates a decisive shift in corporate media strategies amid rising political pressures. By promising to eliminate DEI initiatives, the company signals an alignment with the current trend among certain corporations to de-emphasize diversity programs, a response partly driven by political backlash. Hiring an ombudsman could be seen as an attempt to regain trust and transparency in CBS News operations. However, this move raises critical questions about the future of impartial journalism at the network, especially considering the tension surrounding political narratives in media.

Highlights

As corporate governance evolves, the balance between editorial independence and political influence remains delicate.