Paramount Global and Donald Trump engage in mediation over a $20 billion lawsuit concerning an edited “60 Minutes” interview, amid a high-stakes merger with Skydance Media and FCC scrutiny.
Quick Takes
- Paramount and Trump begin mediation for a $20 billion lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” interview.
- The lawsuit coincides with delays in Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media.
- The FCC is investigating possible “news distortion” in the interview.
- CBS News seeks dismissal of the lawsuit, citing First Amendment rights.
Paramount and Trump’s Legal Dispute
Paramount Global and Donald Trump are set to begin mediation for a $20 billion lawsuit related to a “60 Minutes” interview allegedly edited to misrepresent Trump’s comments. Mediation is mandated, but a settlement isn’t assured. Trump’s lawsuit claims deceptive editing during an interview with Kamala Harris. CBS contends the editing is First Amendment-protected. Discussions of a settlement commenced over two months ago, yet numerous “60 Minutes” employees fear reputational damage from settling.
The lawsuit entails allegations of “news distortion,” drawing FCC scrutiny. The agency is assessing if the interview violated any regulations, impacting the merger process. Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance Media is also affected, with FCC approval necessary to proceed. Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, is keen on mediation, facilitating merger completion.
🚨🇺🇸 CBS MOVES TO DISMISS TRUMP’S $20B LAWSUIT OVER ‘60 MINUTES’ INTERVIEW
CBS has filed a motion to dismiss Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit over its Kamala Harris interview, calling it an “affront to the First Amendment” and arguing it has no legal basis.
Trump alleges the segment… https://t.co/LQiBP2lL31 pic.twitter.com/smeoLUq1Gr
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 7, 2025
Legal Developments and CBS’s Defense
The mediation process is slated to conclude by December 20, 2025. CBS News argues that the alleged editing falls within its First Amendment rights. Paramount has moved to dismiss the suit, asserting consumer fraud laws don’t apply to editorial speech. Concurrently, discussions about settlement started months prior, but CBS’s Bill Owens asserted refusal to apologize as part of any settlement.
Paramount has linked the lawsuit to broader corporate interests, fearing extended litigation. CBS News dismisses claims of stifling free speech, asking the FCC to dismiss a complaint alleging “news distortion”. Paramount argues the “60 Minutes” report does not violate the standards for consumer protection or the Lanham Act.
Merger Implications and Future Steps
The dispute is seen as separate from the Skydance-Paramount merger, but the FCC’s evaluation includes consideration of the “60 Minutes” case. As Paramount aims to merge with Skydance Media, these legal and regulatory hurdles could impact their business strategies. Addressing the case promptly is paramount given the intertwining issues and potential consequences on the merger.
“The Complaint filed against CBS for ‘news distortion’ envisions a less free world in which the federal government becomes a roving censor — one that second guesses and even punishes specific editorial decisions that are an essential part of producing news programming,” CBS said.
Trump, including Ronny Jackson as a co-plaintiff, extends the claims, alleging misleading editing. However, Paramount insists on adherence to the legal process to defend their case, separate from the FCC’s merger review. As the case unfolds, stakeholders await the Texas court’s mediation deadline as pivotal in resolving these complex issues.
