Federal regulators on Thursday approved Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance, clearing the way to close a deal that combined Hollywood glitz with political intrigue.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was asked to respond to criticisms of the Trump administration's intervention in the free press.

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday announced its approval of Skydance's $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global.

Brendan Carr discussed media course correction following Colbert's show cancellation and criticizes partisan content, highlighting Skydance's CBS News plans.

As July began, Paramount paid $16 million to settle a Trump civil suit. As July ended, Trump's FCC appointees approved Paramount’s $8 billion merger deal.

CBS parent Paramount needs approval from the FCC for an $8.4-billion merger with Skydance Media. FCC Chair Brendan Carr said after a commission meeting the agency continues to review the deal and praised commitments to end diversity programs. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Paramount’s Skydance merger brings fresh leadership, cost synergies, and asset monetization to fuel a turnaround and reduce leverage. Learn why PARA stock is a buy.

Hours after announcing the approval of Skydance’s merger with Paramount, FCC chairman Brendan Carr touted the company’s commitment to “addressing bias & restoring fact-based reporting” at CBS News, among other things.