The Ellison Era: How Tech and Hollywood Money is Reshaping the Future of Media
A staggering $370 billion. That’s the current estimated net worth of Larry Ellison, a figure that briefly surpassed even Elon Musk’s, and it’s a key indicator of the seismic shift underway in the media landscape. The Ellison family – Larry and his son, David – aren’t just entering the media business; they’re poised to fundamentally reshape it, raising critical questions about the future of news, entertainment, and the very foundations of a democratic information ecosystem.
From Databases to Dominance: The Ellisons’ Ascent
Larry Ellison’s journey began with Oracle, a software giant he co-founded in 1977. His wealth, largely tied to his roughly 40% stake in the company, has exploded in the last year, fueled by Oracle’s pivotal role in developing infrastructure for artificial intelligence. But Ellison’s ambitions extend far beyond Silicon Valley. His increasingly close relationship with Donald Trump has opened doors to unprecedented opportunities, particularly in the realm of media consolidation.
The Trump Connection and TikTok’s Algorithm
The connection between Ellison and the former President is undeniable. Trump publicly lauded Ellison as “an incredible man and an exceptional businessman,” even going so far as to call him “a kind of executive director of everything.” This relationship proved crucial during the Trump administration’s standoff with TikTok. Oracle was selected to host TikTok’s US user data, and now, the company is on the verge of gaining a controlling stake in the app’s algorithm – the very engine that determines what billions of users see. This isn’t simply a tech deal; it’s a power play with profound implications for information control.
David Ellison: Hollywood Heir and Media Mogul
While Larry built his empire in tech, his son, David Ellison, has carved his own path in Hollywood. After a rocky start with his early film, Flyboys, he founded Skydance Media in 2010, producing a string of successful films like True Grit, Mission: Impossible, and World War Z. However, the recent acquisition of Paramount Global, backed by Larry Ellison’s financial muscle, represents a quantum leap for David. He now leads an operation with over 18,000 employees and oversees CBS, one of the most prominent media networks in the United States.
The Warner Brothers Discovery Question and Regulatory Hurdles
The Paramount deal required approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), currently led by a Trump appointee. And the Ellisons aren’t stopping there. Reports suggest they are preparing a bid for Warner Brothers Discovery, a move that would create a media behemoth controlling iconic brands like CNN, HBO, and the Looney Tunes franchise. Such a merger would require government approval, raising serious antitrust concerns and sparking intense scrutiny.
Democracy at Risk? The Growing Concerns
The Ellisons’ growing influence, coupled with their ties to Trump, is raising alarm bells on the left. Critics fear the potential for political interference in news coverage and the erosion of journalistic independence. Organizations like Fair Media Surveillance Group warn that the Ellisons’ control over CBS, CNN, and TikTok could be “dangerous for democracy,” potentially allowing the Trump regime to shape the narrative to its advantage. Senator Elizabeth Warren has called for blocking the Paramount-Warner Brothers merger, labeling it a “dangerous concentration of power.”
FCC Scrutiny and Shifting Editorial Policies
The FCC’s approval of the Paramount-Skydance deal wasn’t without conditions. The appointment of a conservative ombudsman to review bias complaints and a change in CBS’s Face the Nation program – now requiring live, unedited interviews – are seen as concessions to the White House’s agenda. These actions, as media professor Rodney Benson notes, “coincide with what the White House has made it clear that he wants,” fueling concerns about editorial interference.
Beyond Politics: The Business of Content
Despite the political anxieties, the Ellisons’ foray into media isn’t solely driven by ideology. Wall Street sees significant potential in a combined Paramount-Warner Brothers Discovery entity, believing it could compete with industry giants like Disney and Netflix. David Ellison’s experience in film production distinguishes him from other billionaire media investors, like Jeff Bezos, who have approached the industry more as a hobby. However, while Ellison expresses a passion for cinema, his focus appears to be on content creation and cost-cutting – reportedly aiming to slash $2 billion from Paramount’s budget – rather than a dedicated expansion into the news industry.
The Ellison’s ascent signals a new era in media, one where tech wealth and Hollywood ambition converge with political influence. Whether this convergence will lead to a more dynamic and competitive media landscape, or a dangerously consolidated and politically manipulated one, remains to be seen. The next few years will be critical in determining the future of information and entertainment in America. What role will data privacy play in this new landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
