Key Takeaways:
- Larry Ellison is buying a major stake in TikTok’s US arm.
- His son David now controls CBS after merging Skydance with Paramount.
- The family may bid for Warner and CNN, increasing their reach.
- This move highlights growing media consolidation in the US.
- Critics warn it could threaten a healthy democracy.
Why media consolidation matters now
Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, stands among the richest people in the world. Yet for years he lacked a voice in American news. Now he is changing that. Recently Oracle joined Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowitz to buy 80 percent of TikTok’s US business. Meanwhile, his son David expanded his reach by merging Skydance with Paramount, taking control of CBS. Together, they aim even higher, eyeing Warner and CNN. This story shows how a single family can shape public opinion. In the process, it reveals the power of media consolidation.
Ellison Steps Into Social Media
First, Ellison’s move into TikTok marks a major shift. Under pressure from the US government, TikTok had to sell most of its US arm. Oracle and partners seized the chance. Now Ellison holds a stake in one of America’s most popular apps. TikTok reaches over 170 million Americans every month. With this deal, Ellison can influence the videos and news people see. In addition, he joins other billionaires who already control big media. Elon Musk owns X, Zuckerberg runs Facebook and Instagram, and Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post. By gaining TikTok, Ellison completes the lineup.
David Ellison’s CBS Takeover
Next, Ellison’s son David grabbed more media power. Skydance, the Los Angeles-based studio David leads, merged with Paramount. This deal gave him control of CBS. Soon after, CBS began shifting toward conservative stories. For example, the network hired Bari Weiss, known for her anti-woke views. It also tapped Kenneth Weinstein, a Trump supporter, as ombudsman. These changes worry many newsroom staff. They fear a tilt to the right under the Ellison family’s influence. This pattern shows another face of media consolidation—using ownership to shape editorial choices.
A Bid for Warner and CNN
In addition, the Ellisons may go further. Reports say they are looking at buying Warner Brothers Discovery. This deal would bring CNN under their control. If it succeeds, Ellison would own both TikTok and two of the nation’s biggest TV networks. Together, CNN and CBS reach over 3.2 million viewers daily. Online, CNN.com gets 276 million visits monthly, while CBSNews.com adds 63 million. This combined audience rivals even the largest digital news sites. Such a move would represent unmatched media consolidation in modern US history.
Threats to Democracy
However, this rapid concentration of power alarms many. Media consolidation means fewer independent voices. When a handful of billionaires control most news outlets, they decide which stories matter. They also choose how to frame those stories. Critics fear this could weaken checks on government and big business. For example, Senator Elizabeth Warren publicly warned that Ellison’s bid must be blocked. She called it a “dangerous concentration of power.” Media experts agree that a healthy democracy relies on diverse ownership. They warn that too much consolidation harms the public’s right to know.
Expert Concerns
Former TV anchor Dan Rather voiced deep concern. He said Americans should worry when big billionaires control major news outlets. He found it “hard to be optimistic” about the Ellisons’ plans. Similarly, media scholar Steven Buckley pointed out that such moves are not healthy for democracy. He compared Ellison’s strategy to Elon Musk’s takeover of X. Musk turned the platform into a tool that boosts his political views. Buckley expects Ellison to steer TikTok and TV networks toward his own agenda. This potential “media empire” could shape public discussion in ways we cannot predict.
A Broader Pattern
This deal fits a wider trend of conservative media capture. When Trump returned to power, several tech billionaires shifted their platforms rightward. Bezos trimmed Washington Post coverage some saw as anti-Trump. Zuckerberg tweaked Facebook rules to please MAGA. Musk openly backed Trump on X. Now, the Ellisons join that group. Beyond politics, they also show how business can drive news choices. As long as money flows, owners can reshape editorial lines. This trend challenges long-standing norms of journalistic independence.
What Lies Ahead
So, what happens now? Regulators will review any Warner-CNN deal. They may worry about competition and diversity. If they block the sale, Ellison might try other routes. He already has deep pockets, with a fortune over $370 billion. He could fund streaming services or buy smaller outlets. Either way, his influence will likely grow. For citizens, staying informed will demand more effort. People may need to seek out independent and local news to balance big-dollar media voices.
Conclusion
In short, Larry and David Ellison’s media moves illustrate the power of media consolidation. From TikTok to CBS and possibly CNN, they are building a vast news empire. Critics warn that this trend could harm democracy by limiting diverse viewpoints. As the story unfolds, Americans will watch closely. They will wonder if a few billionaires should hold so much sway over what we see, read, and believe.
FAQs
How does Ellison’s TikTok stake affect users?
Ellison’s stake means Oracle now helps shape TikTok’s US policies. Over time, content rules and data handling could change to fit his views.
What is media consolidation?
Media consolidation happens when a few companies own many news outlets. This reduces the number of independent voices available to the public.
Why is the Ellison bid for Warner-CNN controversial?
If the Ellisons buy Warner and CNN, they would control major TV and online news. Critics worry this limits free debate and diverse reporting.
Can regulators stop big media deals?
Yes. Government agencies can review deals that may harm competition or public interest. They can approve, block, or force changes to such mergers.