The FCC has granted approvals necessary to clear the way for the $8 billion merger of Paramount Global and David Ellison’s Skydance Media. The agency OK’d the transfer of licenses for 28 CBS-owned local TV stations to the Skydance-led ownership group that is taking over Paramount Global — removing the merger’s final regulatory hurdle.

Skydance separately promised to appoint a CBS News ombudsman to 'promote transparency and increased accountability' at CBS News. Skydance CEO David Ellison also has met with center-right journalist Bari Weiss.

As Skydance looks to close its $8 billion merger with Paramount, the David Ellison-led studio has sent new letters to the FCC committing to the appointment of an ombudsman and the elimination of the media giant’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.