... "CBS said the move to axe Colbert was due to low viewership and a decline in profits, but critics believe the network crumbled under pressure from President Trump." ...

... "Paramount, which owns CBS, decided to settle for $16 million on a suit over deceptive editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris filed by Trump." ...

... "Colbert then used the term 'big fat bribe' to describe the settlement, two days later it was announced that his show would disappear from screens." ...

... "Paramount was planning a merger with media company Skydance at the time and needed the approval of Trump's Federal Communications Commission (FCC)." ...

... "Critics have suggested that the anti-MAGA Colbert had been axed by the network to grease the wheels of that deal, which was approved by the FCC last week." ...

... "The merger clears the way for an $8.4 billion sale of some of the most prominent names in entertainment, including CBS, Paramount Pictures, and Nickelodeon." ...

... "FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency's review of the proposed merger was not connected to the lawsuit." ...

... "Colbert gained a reputation as one of Trump’s fiercest critics, departing from the traditional late-night in favor of a more overtly partisan approach." ...

... "Following the announcement of The Late Show's cancellation, Trump took to Truth Social to gloat over the news in a celebratory post." ...

... " 'I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings,' he wrote." ...

... "Approval for the merger came after Skydance and its investment partner, RedBird Capital, assured the FCC of their commitment to unbiased journalism that represents diverse viewpoints." ...

... "Skydance said it would appoint an ombudsman to evaluate complaints of editorial bias or other concerns about CBS in an effort to promote transparency and increased accountability." ...

... "Paramount also eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to align with the new administration's view that such affirmative action policies are discriminatory." ...

... "Carr said he welcomed 'Skydance's commitment to make significant changes at the once storied CBS broadcast network.' " ...

... " 'In particular, Skydance has made written commitments to ensure that the new company's programming embodies a diversity of viewpoints from across the political and ideological spectrum.' " ...

... "Carr also hailed what he called a victory in 'the FCC's efforts to eliminate invidious forms of DEI discrimination.' " ...

... "The FCC voted 2-1 to approve the deal, with Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez dissenting." ...

... "Colbert was paid between $15 million and $20 million a year for his failing show." ...

... " 'Insiders' immediately maintained to publications like 'Puck' and 'Variety' [that] the top-rated show was canceled due to being a money pit what was losing $40 million a year." ...

... "The sudden move sparked immediate backlash from left-wing celebrities and politicians, who claim the decision was strictly politically-motivated." ...