Skydance merger raises concerns among CBS insiders due to perceived 'oversight' introduction in news division
In the wake of the Paramount-Skydance merger, an ombudsman has been appointed to address perceived bias at CBS News. This independent inspector general will serve as a watchdog, investigating complaints about bias or other concerns in CBS News reporting [1][2][4].
The role of the ombudsman is to promote transparency and accountability by reviewing both public and internal complaints and reporting directly to the president of the new company led by Skydance CEO David Ellison [2][4]. This move is a key part of Skydance’s commitment to maintaining "viewpoint diversity" and ensuring CBS News’s reporting remains fair, unbiased, and fact-based [2][4].
The ombudsman will hold a role similar to an inspector general, evaluating claims of bias and increasing accountability in editorial decisions for at least two years according to the commitments made to the FCC [2][5]. This decision follows internal backlash within Paramount over the abandonment of DEI hiring goals and the removal of DEI metrics from compensation packages [6].
However, the impact of this move is viewed with mixed feelings inside CBS News. Some insiders see the introduction of an ombudsman as a restrictive "hall monitor" that signals skepticism about the news division’s existing practices and may undermine journalistic independence [1][3]. There are also concerns that Skydance's decision to eliminate Paramount's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies alongside installing the ombudsman could affect newsroom culture and editorial direction [1][3].
Previously, CBS has been a champion of DEI initiatives. For instance, "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert refused to accept writing samples from men to diversify his team [7]. CBS News has also faced accusations of liberal and anti-Trump bias, with anchor Lesley Stahl dismissing then-President Trump's reference to the scandal surrounding Hunter Biden's laptop in 2020, stating that they couldn't put on things they can't verify [8]. Moderator Margaret Brennan also cut off Vice President J.D. Vance's mic during a heated exchange on immigration in the 2024 vice presidential debate [9].
The ombudsman's role is designed to ensure editorial balance and transparency, adding a layer of external accountability. However, it has raised apprehension among staff about potential constraints on newsroom autonomy and the removal of DEI initiatives [1][2][3][4].
References:
- CNN
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Variety
- Deadline
- The New York Times
- The Wrap
- The Daily Beast
- The Hill
- Politico
- The ombudsman's role, which includes evaluating claims of bias and increasing accountability in editorial decisions, aligns with Skydance's business strategy of maintaining a balance in reporting by ensuring viewpoint diversity.
- The appointing of an ombudsman, a key decision within the new company's finance and business strategy, has led to mixed feelings within CBS News, with concerns raised about potential constraints on newsroom autonomy and the removal of DEI initiatives.
