In a major shakeup that could redefine the future of CBS, reports are emerging about a possible sale of Paramount Global, the parent company of the network, to Skydance Media. This potential merger has sparked significant speculation about the direction CBS might take if the deal is finalized, with industry insiders warning of the possible fallout for the network’s programming, journalistic integrity, and long-standing reputation in the media landscape.
James Golden, widely known as Bo Snerdley, a popular WABC radio host and author, weighed in on the situation during a recent appearance on Morning in America. Golden expressed concerns that CBS could undergo significant changes if the merger is approved, including a potential shift in its editorial focus and corporate culture. “When you look at the possibility of a Skydance takeover, you have to consider what CBS might look like afterward,” said Snerdley. “We’ve seen media companies change drastically after mergers, and CBS could be next.”
The backdrop to this media drama comes amid growing tensions between CBS and former President Donald Trump. Last week, Trump made headlines by skipping a scheduled interview with the network’s flagship news program, 60 Minutes. In typical fashion, Trump didn’t just pass on the appearance—he went on the offensive, accusing CBS of unfairly handling its interview with his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump lashed out at CBS on his social media platform, labeling the network’s interview with Harris a “giant fake news scam” and claiming that CBS had deliberately protected her from tough questions.
Trump’s remarks play into a broader narrative that his camp has long pushed: that mainstream media outlets, particularly CBS, are biased in favor of Democrats and are part of an effort to suppress conservative viewpoints. His latest attack came just days after CBS aired its 60 Minutes session with Harris, where the vice president addressed a range of topics, including foreign policy, immigration, and the 2024 presidential election.
Golden, during his discussion on Morning in America, also highlighted how a potential Paramount-Skydance deal might impact CBS’s journalistic independence. “If you have new corporate leadership coming in, you have to question what that means for news coverage,” he noted. “Are we going to see a shift in how stories are told? Will CBS start moving away from hard-hitting investigative journalism in favor of something more palatable to a different audience?”
The sale of Paramount Global to Skydance is still speculative, but it would represent a significant consolidation of media power. Skydance, best known for producing blockbuster films like Top Gun: Maverick and the Mission: Impossible series, has rapidly expanded into television production and other media ventures in recent years. A deal of this scale could bring financial stability to Paramount’s struggling divisions but could also lead to deep structural changes at CBS.
CBS has long been a pillar of American broadcast journalism, boasting iconic programs like 60 Minutes and CBS Evening News. If Skydance takes control, some industry analysts worry that the network could pivot toward a more entertainment-driven focus, potentially sidelining its news division in favor of lighter, less controversial content.
Golden also reflected on how Trump’s absence from 60 Minutes could influence CBS’s reputation among its viewers. “Trump skipping the interview sends a strong message, but his attack on CBS afterward tells you where things are headed,” he said. “There’s a growing distrust of mainstream media, and if CBS isn’t careful, it could lose a significant portion of its audience who feel their voices aren’t being heard.”
As negotiations between Paramount Global and Skydance continue behind closed doors, CBS employees and viewers alike are left wondering what the future holds. Will CBS maintain its legacy as a leading news provider, or could it become just another casualty in the ever-evolving media landscape?
