Core Viewpoint - The merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, valued at $8 billion, has been approved by the FCC, marking a significant shift in the entertainment landscape with Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison poised to become a powerful duo in Hollywood [2][3]. Group 1: Merger Details - The merger is set to be completed on August 7, following 383 days since its announcement [2]. - David Ellison will serve as Chairman and CEO of Paramount, holding 50% of the voting rights, overseeing an entertainment empire with over 1,200 films and distribution rights for 2,400 films [2]. - Paramount's key assets include popular channels such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and CBS News [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Adjustments - The merger was approved after Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit related to a 2024 interview with Kamala Harris [3]. - David Ellison's Skydance Media must commit to presenting diverse viewpoints in its programming to gain approval [3]. Group 3: Control and Ownership Structure - Initially, Larry Ellison held all voting rights and shares in Pinnacle Media Ventures, the acquiring entity for Paramount [4]. - A later adjustment granted David Ellison 100% voting rights in Pinnacle, while ownership remains with his father [4]. - As of mid-July, David's voting share in Paramount was reduced to 50%, with Larry holding 27.5%, ensuring David requires his father's support for key decisions [5]. Group 4: Financial Implications - The adjustments in voting rights are believed to be financially motivated rather than power-driven, potentially allowing tax benefits from the merger [6]. - Larry Ellison's wealth and connections, including his relationship with Donald Trump, may have influenced the merger's approval process [7]. Group 5: Historical Context - Larry Ellison founded Sayonara in 2008 for media production investments, and both David and his sister Megan have established their own film companies [9]. - David's Skydance has produced or co-invested in 35 films, with 24 in collaboration with Paramount, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue in 2023 [9].