‘Perception May Matter as Much as Reality’: Syracuse Professor on Paramount-Skydance Merger’s Cultural Impact

The merger of Paramount and Skydance created a major new player in Hollywood, and the new combined company is already making a splash with its purchase of the U.S. rights to air UFC fights. But the political undertones of the merger could also have broader implications for the entertainment industry.

Syracuse University professor J. Christopher Hamilton has worked for a number of media conglomerates, including Paramount Global, as a business executive and lawyer. He says the federal government’s role in this merger and the conditions attached to it could reshape American media in a number of ways.

In a corporate climate where politically sensitive programming can suddenly be deemed expendable, perception may matter as much as reality.

J. Christopher Hamilton

• “The timing raises uncomfortable questions. Just days before the deal closed, BET indefinitely suspended its Hip-Hop and Soul Train Awards, two of the most visible televised celebrations of Black culture. Official statements cited low ratings, but is it a coincidence that this decision came as the merged entity was navigating federal approval tied to DEI pullbacks? In a corporate climate where politically sensitive programming can suddenly be deemed expendable, perception may matter as much as reality.”

Prof. Hamilton says the decisions made by Paramount Skydance in its early days will set the tone for the merger.

• “Will we see a steady retreat from politically or culturally challenging material? Will “mainstream appeal” be the new euphemism for risk-averse, government-friendly content? Or will the company’s tech-driven growth strategy open new lanes for diverse, innovative storytelling despite the rollback of formal DEI policies?”

If this merger becomes the template for future government-blessed media deals, the cost may be far greater than the $8 billion on the balance sheet.

J. Christopher Hamilton

Prof. Hamilton adds there’s no question that the new combined company is stronger than either Paramount or Skydance could have been on their own.

• “But in this marriage, the real test won’t be whether it can outgun Disney or Netflix; it will be whether it can prove that political conditions don’t mean cultural compromise. Because if this merger becomes the template for future government-blessed media deals, the cost may be far greater than the $8 billion on the balance sheet.”

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Chris Munoz
Media Relations Specialist
cjmunoz@syr.edu