It was on September 6 that the FCC accepted for filing applications proposing the transfer of control of CBS News & Stations parent Paramount Global from controlling shareholder National Amusements, Inc., to investors in Skydance Media. On that same date, the FCC’s Media Bureau established a pleading cycle.
Now, a new pleading cycle has been established. Here’s why.
On October 30, the applicants filed a restatement of two exhibits in its comprehensive exhibit outlining the proposed transaction. As the parties explain, these changes were made “to reflect David Ellison’s role as sole manager of Hikouki LLC, Furaito LLC, and Aozora, LLC, entities through which the Ellison Family will own and control NAI and New Paramount upon the closing of the transaction.”
As sole manager of these entities, Mr. Ellison will hold 100% of the Ellison Family’s voting interests in NAI and ‘New Paramount,’ in addition to serving as New Paramount’s Chairman and CEO.”
These are “major amendments” as Media Bureau Chief Holly Saurer sees it, and thus they warrant a further pleading cycle.
Thus, for MB Docket No. 24-275, the revised Petition to Deny Date is December 16, 2024, with a Revised Opposition Date set for January 2, 2025, and a Revised Reply Date of January 13, 2025.
A change in leadership at the FCC is on tap for January 20, when Brendan Carr succeeds Jessica Rosenworcel as Chair of the agency.
