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Former CBS anchor Connie Chung expressed grave concerns on CNN regarding the recent merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, suggesting it could herald the downfall of journalism as it once existed.
The Federal Communications Commission approved the $8 billion merger on Thursday, with the completion slated for August 7. This announcement follows a tumultuous period for CBS, owned by Paramount, which included a lawsuit settlement with former President Donald Trump linked to a segment on “60 Minutes” and the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
As part of the newly formed entity, Paramount Skydance Corp., Chung warned that CBS might be on the verge of losing its independence. The veteran anchor, known for her role on “CBS Evening News,” reflected on the network’s legacy of journalistic integrity.
Concerns About Loss of Autonomy
“I fear the end of CBS as I knew it,” Chung stated on “CNN News Central.” She reflected on the network’s past, emphasizing its autonomy. Notably, she mentioned that the news division operated independently of political and corporate pressures. However, she added that the landscape has changed significantly. She lamented, “The days that I remembered are long gone.”
The Erosion of Journalistic Integrity
Chung criticized the current state of journalism, expressing concern that honest, unbiased reporting is fading into obscurity. She invoked the names of legendary journalists like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite, insisting that their brand of fact-based journalism has largely disappeared. Furthermore, she pointed to Frank Stanton, a former president of CBS, who famously defended journalistic rights, describing the current environment as disheartening.
Accountability in Broadcasting
Chung attributed part of the current turmoil to Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, and David Ellison, CEO of Skydance Media. She accused them of allowing greed to
