FCC’s Carr warns DEI policies at Paramount, Verizon could threaten mergers

FCC Warns Companies About DEI Policies Impacting Mergers and Acquisitions

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has issued a warning that mergers and acquisitions could face obstacles if companies do not align with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards, as reported by Bloomberg.

Carr emphasized the importance of companies ending any discriminatory DEI practices to obtain FCC approval for business transactions. This stance aligns with President Trump’s efforts to eliminate DEI policies at the federal level.

Furthermore, Carr’s recent probe into Comcast’s DEI policies has put other media conglomerates on alert, signaling a shift in regulatory expectations regarding DEI practices.

The FCC’s review of the $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance, as well as the investigation into Verizon’s diversity practices amid its acquisition of Frontier, reflect the agency’s commitment to ensuring that mergers and acquisitions serve the public interest.

Overall, Carr’s firm stance on DEI policies and their impact on business transactions underscores the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding diversity and inclusion initiatives in the corporate world.