The fact that the tax cuts are permanent and this is a one time bonus certainly makes it seem like a publicity stunt, possibly related to currying favor for the

The fact that the tax cuts are permanent and this is a one time bonus certainly makes it seem like a publicity stunt, possibly related to currying favor for the merger with Time Warner. That said, if you take their stated reason at face value, the tax cuts aren't directly providing the cash for the bonuses, so they can do it now based on projected savings later.