High of the Ticker: Late Thursday, the Federal Communications Fee accredited the long-planned merger between CBS Information’ mother or father firm, Paramount International, and Skydance Media. The nod from the FCC paves the way in which for the approaching closure of the $8 billion deal. Prior to now few days, it was revealed that Skydance Media, via its lead lawyer, made a number of concessions to the FCC to acquire the inexperienced gentle for the merger. This contains committing to put in an ombudsman to assessment “complaints of bias or different considerations” at CBS Information. The corporate additionally confirmed that Paramount eradicated its range, fairness, and inclusion initiatives.
These concessions observe the $16 million settlement reached by Paramount International with President Donald Trump over a lawsuit filed in 2024, which accused CBS Information of “deceitful” modifying throughout a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President and then-Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Famine concern: BBC Information—alongside different main information companies together with the Related Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse—issued a joint assertion addressing a possible famine state of affairs that would influence journalists protecting the Israel-Hamas warfare in Gaza. Within the joint assertion, BBC Information mentioned the information organizations are “deeply involved” about journalists within the area who’re “going through the identical dire circumstances as these they’re protecting.” The assertion additional added, “Journalists endure many deprivations and hardships in warfare zones. We’re deeply alarmed that the specter of hunger is now considered one of them. We as soon as once more urge the Israeli authorities to permit journalists out and in of Gaza. It’s important that ample meals provides attain the individuals there.”
A joint assertion on Gaza from AFP, AP, BBC Information and Reuters pic.twitter.com/E9b1gTYDpu
— BBC Information Press Crew (@BBCNewsPR) July 24, 2025
FCC objection: Conservative-leaning information community Newsmax filed an objection with the FCC Wednesday difficult any transfer that might weaken or eradicate the Horizontal Possession Cap. The submitting is in response to the FCC’s issuance of a public discover in June, searching for public touch upon whether or not to retain, revise, or put off the cap. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy mentioned within the submitting, “If networks like CBS, ABC, and NBC had been allowed to develop their attain unchecked, they might have even much less incentive to supply programming that displays the values of native communities, notably these in America’s heartland.”
Second sports activities deal: Fox Nation struck its second dwell sports activities deal, changing into the unique broadcast companion for the inaugural matches of latest wrestling league Actual American Freestyle. Fox Information’ streaming service will broadcast the primary matchup Saturday, Aug. 30, from Cleveland. RAF was based by Eric Bischoff, Chad Bronstein, and WWE Corridor of Famer Hulk Hogan, who handed away Thursday, July 24.
BREAKING: @foxnation is the unique broadcast companion for Actual American Freestyle.
Watch the historic launch of #RAF01 streaming dwell August 30. pic.twitter.com/S6sDp0Akpg
— Actual American Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA) July 21, 2025
