In a move that’s raising eyebrows across the entertainment industry, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has signaled a tough stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in upcoming media mergers and acquisitions.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Carr didn’t mince words: “Any businesses that are looking for FCC approval, I would encourage them to get busy ending any sort of their invidious forms of DEI discrimination.” This statement puts major deals like Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance Media and Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier Communications Parent under scrutiny.
Trump Administration’s Influence
Carr’s position aligns with President Trump’s recent efforts to curtail DEI initiatives. The administration has banned such programs at the federal level, with Attorney General Pam Bondi threatening to “investigate, eliminate and penalize illegal DEI” within private companies.
Potential Impact on Media Landscape
The FCC’s stance could significantly impact the media industry’s consolidation efforts. Carr emphasized, “I have a very hard time seeing how a business is going to get FCC approval while maintaining invidious forms of discrimination.”
This approach is already affecting ongoing deals. The $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance is expected to face extended review, potentially stretching into the latter half of the year.
Industry on Notice
Carr’s recent probe into Comcast’s DEI policies serves as a warning shot to other media conglomerates. “Every single business that’s regulated by the FCC … I trust that they have now got the message that the time to end their invidious forms of DEI discrimination is now,” Carr told The Post.
As the industry grapples with this new regulatory environment, companies may need to reassess their DEI strategies in light of potential merger and acquisition plans. The coming months will likely see increased tension between corporate diversity initiatives and regulatory approval processes.
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