Paramount Global has put several high-profile events on hold, including the 2025 Country Music Television (CMT) Awards, as the company prepares for its anticipated merger with Skydance Media.
Multiple 2025 events have been postponed, including the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), the CMT Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Mexico, and the MTV MIAW Awards—formerly known as the MTV Millennial Awards, which highlight Latin American music.
Paramount president Bruce Gillmer outlined the postponements in an internal memo. However, the memo clarified that the pause does not impact the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) or the U.S. edition of the Kids’ Choice Awards. A timeline for the return of the postponed events has not been specified.
“We are pausing a few events for 2025 as we look to reimagine and optimize our events slate moving forward,” Gillmer stated. “Our world-class events remain a key component of Paramount’s music offering as we continue to raise the bar in delivering iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture.
We have the best team in the business, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication in bringing these events to life.”
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The CMT Awards were last held in April 2024 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, with Kelsea Ballerini serving as host. Just a few months later, in August 2024, Paramount announced a 15% reduction in its U.S. workforce, aiming to save $500 million.
This cost-cutting effort included three rounds of layoffs, the exit of several top executives, and the shutdown of Paramount TV Studios.
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Paramount’s merger with Skydance was officially announced in July 2024, AP News reported.
“Given the changes in the industry, we want to fortify Paramount for the future while ensuring that content remains king,” said Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder and chair, at the time of the $8 billion deal.
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The decision to postpone multiple awards shows comes as Paramount faces mounting legal challenges. One of the most significant involves investors who have filed a lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court, claiming the merger deal unfairly benefits Redstone, THR reports.
