The RecordExhibit 37
A $16 million settlement, then a merger approved
Alleged means: Serious, credible accusations of illegality that no court or watchdog has decided yet.
Paramount paid $16 million toward Trump's future library to settle his lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview, and weeks later the FCC approved its $8 billion merger with Skydance.
What happened
CBS cancelled The Late Show days after Stephen Colbert mocked the settlement on air. Trump said he expected another $20 million from the new owners for ads and public service announcements. The FCC chair praised Skydance's promised changes at CBS.
Where it stands
No ruling. Critics called the settlement a veiled bribe.
The administration's side
Paramount cited finances for cancelling Colbert, and both the FCC chair and Paramount say the lawsuit had nothing to do with the merger review.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/paramount/