Federal regulators approve Paramount's $8 billion deal with Skydance, capping months of turmoil
The stamp of approval from the Federal Communications Commission comes after months of turmoil revolving around President Donald Trump's legal battle with '60 Minutes,' the crown jewel of Paramount-owned broadcast network CBS. With the specter of the Trump administration potentially blocking the hard-fought deal with Skydance, Paramount earlier this month agreed to pay a $16 million settlement with the President.
Critics of the settlement lambasted it as a veiled a bribe to appease Trump, amid rising alarm over editorial independence overall. Further outrage also emerged after CBS said it was canceling Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' just days after the comedian sharply criticized the parent company's settlement on air. Paramount cited financial reasons, but big names both within and outside the company have questioned those motives.
In a statement accompanying the deal's approval, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hailed the merger as an opportunity to bring more balance to 'once-storied' CBS network.
'Americans no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly. It is time for a change,' Carr said.
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CTV News
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- CTV News
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The latest tensions flared in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics. Sides trade accusations and deny responsibility Cambodia's Defense Ministry condemned what it called an expanded Thai offensive early Saturday after five heavy artillery shells were fired into Pursat province. It said the attack was an 'unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression.' Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said tensions flared in the coastal province of Koh Kong and expressed concern about the possibility of confrontations at sea. Maly Socheata said seven Cambodian civilians and five soldiers have been killed in two days of fighting. Another man was reportedly killed when a pagoda he was hiding under was hit by Thai rockets. The Thai army has denied targeting Cambodian civilians and accuses Phnom Penh of using 'human shields' by positioning their weapons near residential areas. 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Both sides have fired rockets and artillery, and after initially denying Cambodian claims that internationally prohibited cluster munitions were being used, a Thai military spokesperson said Friday that such weapons can be utilized 'when necessary' to achieve military objectives. Human Rights Watch condemned the use of cluster munitions in populated areas. Neither Thailand nor Cambodia is party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the use of the weapon. Thai authorities used them during a border dispute with Cambodia in February 2011 that left 20 people dead. 'Neither Thailand nor Cambodia appears to be paying attention to international humanitarian law at great expense to civilians,' John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. 'Diplomatic efforts underway need to prioritize protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.' Thai officials acknowledged it used F-16 jets and drones to launch airstrikes. International allies call for peace The UN Security Council didn't issue a resolution on the crisis during its Friday emergency session, but Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that the group's 15 members called for restraint, an end to hostilities and a peaceful resolution. They also supported mediation by ASEAN, he said. The leader of Malaysia, ASEAN's current chair, has said Thailand and Cambodia are open in principle to a ceasefire proposal. Malaysian media said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has tasked the country's foreign minister to mediate peace talks. Maris said Saturday his country has agreed in principle to ASEAN's ceasefire proposal, but insisted that Cambodia must first cease hostilities. He said Thailand continues to engage with Malaysia on the matter. 'Thailand reaffirms its commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully and in accordance with international law,' he said, urging Cambodia to 'return to the negotiating table with sincerity and in good faith.' Jintamas Saksornchai And Sopheng Cheang, The Associated Press Associated Press writers Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul and Grant Peck in Bangkok, and Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. Sopheng Cheang reported from Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia.
Toronto Star
an hour ago
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The House is looking into the Epstein investigation. Here's what could happen next
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Calgary Herald
an hour ago
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Pro-Trump Christian musician to play Alberta legislature grounds in Edmonton
Article content A pro-Trump and Christian singer whose events on his east coast Canadian tour have had to be moved to alternate venues after being cancelled is slated to play at the Alberta legislature grounds in August. Article content U.S. musician Sean Feucht has faced protests and cancellations this week on the first leg of his cross-country tour which is slated to stop on Aug. 22 in Edmonton for a performance at the grounds' south bandshell. Article content Article content Article content A spokesperson for Alberta Infrastructure said in a statement tour organizers had submitted an incomplete event permit application for the event. Article content Article content 'We are taking steps to help organizers submit a complete application,' it reads, noting the event must comply with 'security protocols, public safety, and venue guidelines.' Article content The statement did not address questions about if the show would go ahead or the possible need for heightened security. Article content The guidelines for use of the Alberta Legislature Grounds state applications must be submitted four weeks in advance, with applicants mandated to have at least $2 million in liability insurance, a security plan, and proof of permits and licences, among other requirements. Article content Feucht describes himself as a musician, missionary, author and activist, and has drawn opposition for his affinity for U.S. President Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again Movement as well as his views on abortion, gender, and the LGBT community. Article content Article content He was scheduled to play at the York Redoubt National Historic Site in Halifax last Wednesday but Parks Canada revoked the event's permit, citing 'evolving safety and security considerations' amid potential protests and following consultation with police. Article content The event later went ahead when a local farmer opened his field for the singer and his audience. Article content Since then, events in Charlottetown, Fredericton, Quebec City, Moncton, and Gatineau, Que. have been cancelled with organizers citing security concerns, permitting issues, or local codes of conduct. Article content On social media, Feucht said his shows went on after alternate venues were found. Article content 'Venues have now been replaced and these cities will hear from lawyers soon,' he posted late Thursday.
