The FCC approved a merger between Skydance and Paramount for $8 billion, with a controversial condition affecting editorial control in media organizations. Commissioner Anna Gomez opposed the deal, describing it as a back room arrangement that weaponizes the government's regulatory authority over media. Gomez criticized this move as a significant infringement on First Amendment rights, stating that it allows governmental interference in press freedom. The deal follows a nearby controversial settlement involving Paramount and former President Trump relating to editorial content.
I have been alarmed by this administration's campaign of censorship and control. And we've seen that in a variety of ways throughout this administration. With regard to the FCC, what we are seeing is a weaponization of the FCC's regulatory authority to retaliate and to control the content of news media organizations.
In this transaction, what this administration was able to get was a condition that has never before been seen with control of editorial decisions in the newsroom. And that is very problematic.
Our First Amendment prohibits the government from interfering in freedom of the press, and that is a direct violation of our First Amendment freedoms.
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