FCC chair keeps ‘all options on the desk’ after – Business News
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated “all options are on the table” as he evaluations Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance Media – a day after “60 Minutes” host Scott Pelley launched an astonishing on-air assault on CBS proprietor Paramount that accused them of interfering with the program’s protection.
Pelley went rogue at the finish of Sunday evening’s episode during what gave the impression to be a easy tribute to Bill Owens, the longtime “60 Minutes” govt producer who give up final week over the company’s heavy-handed interference.
“Bill resigned Tuesday — it was hard on him and hard on us,” Pelley stated in his closing remarks on the show he has labored on for more than 20 years.
“60 Minutes” host Scott Pelley rebuked Paramount during the broadcast.
“But he did it for us — and you,” he instructed viewers — then unexpectedly prompt that Owens’ exit might finish the period of protection being “accurate and fair.”
“Our parent company, Paramount, is trying to complete a merger,” he stated, noting that it wants approval from the Trump administration. “Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways.”
Pelley stated that whereas “none of our stories have been blocked,” Owens “felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires.”
Trump’s head of the Federal Communications Commission stated Monday that he’ll review complaints over alleged information distortion in CBS’ “60 Minutes’” sitdown with then-Vice President Kamala Harris however he didn’t present a timeline for making a choice.
Carr final month rejected a bid from CBS to dismiss a lawsuit alleging the Harris interview violated the FCC’s “news distortion” guidelines. Paramount is in search of FCC approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.
FCC chair Brendan Carr stated “all options are on the table” as he evaluations Paramount’s merger with Skydance. AFP through Getty Images
Meanwhile, the CBS-produced show is presently embroiled in a $20 billion lawsuit with President Trump, who claims that the show deceptively edited the sitdown to benefit Harris. The president has additionally criticized the program for being biased underneath govt producer Bill Owens.
Carr was requested what would occur along with his probe if the legal case, which is in mediation, was settled quickly.
“We’re simply focused on the record that’s before us,” Carr stated, declining to deal with a hypothetical query on what he would do if Trump directed him to approve the merger. “We’re just going to apply the law and the facts.”
Bill Owens introduced his resignation final week.Variety through Getty Images Variety through Getty Images
The Post had reported months earlier that Owens could possibly be a sacrificial lamb as the merger neared completion.
“It shows a lot of balls for someone who understands that nobody is untouchable at this at the point,” a CBS insider instructed The Post, talking of Pelley’s transfer to chastise his bosses.
A second insider stated “Pelley is fed up with corporate disrespect for journalistic independence.”
A 20-year verteran of CBS, Owens, held the function of govt producer of “60 Minutes” since 2019. In latest months, Owens has bumped heads with larger ups at the company, notably Paramount boss Shari Redstone.
Bill Owens, Cecilia Vega and Scott Pelley at the CBS fall schedule celebration held at Paramount Studios on May 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Variety through Getty Images
President Trump is suing CBS over its “60 Minutes” sitdown with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. 60 Minutes / CBS
Redstone, whose household stands to pocket about $1.75 billion if the $8 billion merger with Skydance Media goes via, allegedly pressed CBS News president Wendy McMahon to fire Owens for airing of a one-sided January report on the Gaza War.
“No one here is happy about it,” Pelley stated. “But in resigning, Bill proved one thing — he was the right person to lead ’60 Minutes’ all along.”
