The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the $8bn merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
Skydance is owned by David Ellison, the son of Larry Ellison, who founded US technology giant Oracle. It has since produced or co-produced hit films and TV shows, including Top Gun: Maverick and the Reacher streaming series.
Skydance first announced its intention to take over Paramount, one of Hollywood's oldest studios, in 2024. Paramount’s film credits include The Godfather, Star Trek and the Mission: Impossible series. Paramount also owns streaming service Paramount+, as well as Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, BET, MTV, Comedy Central and other media brands.
Skydance CEO David Ellison is set to become chair and chief executive of the new Paramount. Jeff Shell, former chief executive of Comcast's NBCUniversal, will be its new president.
The approval came just weeks after Paramount Global agreed to pay $16m to settle a legal dispute with US President Donald Trump over an interview it broadcast on its subsidiary CBS with former Vice-President Kamala Harris.
FCC Head Brendan Carr, who was appointed by President Trump, announced the merger's approval, saying he welcomed Skydance's ideas to make "significant changes" at CBS.
The commission received pledges from Skydance that it would appoint an ombudsman to evaluate complaints of editorial bias or other concerns about CBS. Skydance also told the FCC it would not establish any diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which Trump believes are discriminatory.
Telxius selects Synamedia Quortex Switch
Telxius has integrated its carrier-grade content delivery network (CDN) with Synamedia’s Quortex Switch platform, which the companies say enables content providers to dynamically switch between CDNs in real time for the first time.
BFI to invest £11.85m in UK skills funding
The British Film Institute (BFI) has pledged £11.85m funding over three years to support skills development and training across the UK.
Knowledge Network selects ThinkAnalytics
Knowledge Network, British Columbia’s public educational broadcaster and streaming service, has gone live with ThinkMediaAI to give viewers a personalised TV experience underpinned by intelligent search and content recommendations.
Netflix launches first daily live show The Breakfast Club
Netflix will stream US morning radio show The Breakfast Club daily on its platform from 1 June 2026, marking the streamer’s first daily live programme.
ITV launches Live Addressable+ with Omnicom
ITV, the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, has officially launched its live broadcast addressable advertising product, Live Addressable+, with an exclusive beta trial in partnership with Omnicom Media Group.
Registered users only: Login
