CNN anchor Jake Tapper criticized Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder of Paramount Global, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, for allegedly compromising CBS News’ journalistic integrity to protect a lucrative merger deal. Tapper suggested Redstone may settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against CBS to facilitate Paramount’s planned merger with Skydance Media.
“Now, Shari Redstone is the majority owner of Paramount, and she stands to make a fortune if this multibillion-dollar deal, if this merger goes through,” Tapper said on his CNN program, referring to the proposed $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
The controversy centers on a $20 billion lawsuit Trump filed against CBS, alleging election interference due to the network’s handling of a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris before the 2024 presidential election. Paramount Global has agreed to mediation, indicating a settlement is likely.
Tapper claimed Redstone appears willing to “bend the knee” to Trump and settle what he characterized as a “frivolous lawsuit.” He cited a “60 Minutes” source who told CNN that Redstone and others would “bow to presidential pressure” in their quest to sell the company. The source added that “60 Minutes,” which they described as “one of the crown jewels of American broadcast journalism,” was being sacrificed to facilitate the merger deal and enrich executives.
The situation has already had significant repercussions within CBS News. Bill Owens, the longtime executive producer of “60 Minutes,” announced his resignation on Tuesday. In a memo obtained by Fox News Digital, Owens told colleagues he was stepping down because it had “become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it. To make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience.”
Owens further explained that after defending the show and its principles “from every angle, over time with everything I could,” he felt compelled to step aside “so the show can move forward.” His departure comes after nearly four decades with CBS News and is widely seen as a direct result of the mounting pressure related to Trump’s lawsuit and Paramount’s merger plans.
The proposed merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media would create a new entity called “Paramount Skydance Corporation.” Under the deal’s terms, Skydance CEO David Ellison would become chairman and CEO of the combined company, with Jeff Shell serving as president.
Initially set for an April 7, 2025, deadline, the merger negotiations have received a 90-day extension. The deal is facing regulatory scrutiny, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) currently in discussions with Paramount about the necessary steps for approval. These talks have reportedly included potential concessions regarding diversity policies.
The FCC’s involvement extends beyond the merger itself. The regulatory body is also reviewing a complaint regarding alleged news distortion in the “60 Minutes” interview with Harris, which is at the center of Trump’s lawsuit. This dual scrutiny complicates the merger process and heightens the stakes for Redstone and Paramount.
The settlement discussions between Paramount and Trump’s legal team are directly connected to clearing obstacles for the Skydance merger. Journalists within CBS News have expressed alarm about these developments, fearing further concessions that might undermine the network’s editorial independence.
Tapper framed these events as part of a broader pattern, claiming that “The Pentagon has taken the offices of CNN, NBC, The New York Times, and Politico, and reassigned them to outlets that provide more favorable coverage.” He also alleged the White House is engaged in a “war against the Associated Press,” replacing traditional media with outlets more favorable to the administration.
The controversy has sparked debates about media independence and corporate interests. Constitutional law experts have described Trump’s lawsuit as “frivolous” and potentially threatening to First Amendment rights. CBS News has denied Trump’s allegations of deceptive editing and filed motions to dismiss the complaint.
For its part, Paramount has faced financial challenges that make the Skydance merger particularly attractive. The company has struggled with streaming losses and significant debt, leading Redstone to explore various options for ensuring Paramount’s future viability in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.
The situation remains fluid as Owens’ departure creates additional uncertainty about the direction of “60 Minutes” and CBS News more broadly. While Owens expressed confidence that the program would continue its mission of covering the administration, reporting from war zones, and investigating injustices, questions persist about how the corporate pressures might influence its journalistic approach moving forward.
