Carr was asked by CNBC about comments from the sole Democrat remaining on the FCC commission, Anna Gomez, who called the merger approval a “cowardly capitulation to this Administration.” Carr was asked if there was a quid pro quo, something he didn’t directly address.

Brendan Carr says they have not made a ‘final’ decision on the news distortion matter. Federal Communication Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Communications and Technology Subcommittee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Skydance Media said it’s willing to install an ombudsman to review any complaints of bias at CBS as a condition of its pending merger with Paramount Global.

On Thursday, the FCC voted 2-1 to approve the $8.4 billion merger between CBS parent Paramount Global (PARA.O) and Skydance Media after Skydance agreed to ensure CBS news and entertainment programming is free of bias, hire an ombudsman for at least two years to review complaints and end diversity programs.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr praised Skydance Media’s commitment to hire an ombudsman for CBS News after it completes its merger with Paramount Global. The commitment was outlined in a filing with the FCC this week.