The Incompetence Cascade: How Larry Ellison’s Media Play Could Accidentally Save Journalism
A staggering 40% drop in Paramount’s stock price since Larry Ellison’s attempted takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery isn’t just a financial blip; it’s a flashing warning sign. The billionaire’s foray into media, spearheaded by his son David and the controversial appointment of Bari Weiss at CBS News, isn’t building a media empire – it’s a masterclass in how spectacularly incompetence can undermine even the most ambitious, and potentially dangerous, agendas. The attempt to reshape CBS News into a right-wing echo chamber is failing so spectacularly that it may inadvertently expose the fragility of truth in the modern media landscape and, ironically, offer a path toward its preservation.
The Weiss Experiment: From “Honestly” to Chaos
Bari Weiss’s arrival at CBS News was framed as a restoration of journalistic integrity. The reality, however, has been a series of public relations disasters. From a disastrous town hall with Erika Kirk to demonstrable errors in nightly broadcasts and a deeply flawed 60 Minutes segment, the network has been plagued by controversy. The recent “pause” of her podcast, “Honestly,” isn’t a strategic move; it’s a triage effort to contain the fallout from the mounting crises at CBS. This isn’t a case of bad luck; it’s a pattern of demonstrable inability to execute even basic journalistic functions, coupled with a refusal to acknowledge responsibility.
The Propaganda Problem: Entertainment Value Matters
The core issue isn’t simply that Weiss lacks journalistic skill – though that’s undeniably true. It’s that she’s failing at the very task she was purportedly hired for: crafting effective propaganda. As the source material points out, even figures like Roger Ailes understood the importance of *entertainment* in successful propaganda. Noxious narratives require a compelling delivery to gain traction. Weiss’s approach, characterized by errors and a perceived lack of credibility, is actively repelling audiences, rather than persuading them. This highlights a critical, often overlooked aspect of disinformation campaigns: they must be *believable* to be effective.
Ellison’s Broader Play: A Modern State Television?
The situation at CBS is merely a symptom of a larger ambition. Larry Ellison, now with a stake in TikTok alongside his media holdings, appears intent on creating a vertically integrated media conglomerate capable of controlling the flow of information. This echoes the models seen in countries like Russia and Hungary, where state-controlled media serves as a tool for political control. The concern isn’t simply about a conservative slant; it’s about the erosion of independent journalism and the potential for a curated reality presented as objective truth. This trend towards media consolidation and control is a global phenomenon, and the U.S. is increasingly vulnerable.
TikTok and the New Battleground for Influence
Ellison’s investment in TikTok is particularly noteworthy. While often framed as a tech investment, it provides a direct pipeline to a massive audience, particularly younger demographics. Controlling or influencing the algorithm on a platform like TikTok offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape public opinion. This raises serious questions about the future of information consumption and the potential for algorithmic manipulation. The Council on Foreign Relations has published extensive analysis on the national security implications of TikTok, highlighting the risks associated with data privacy and potential censorship.
The Unexpected Savior: Incompetence as a Defense
Ironically, the sheer incompetence of the players involved – David Ellison, Bari Weiss, and their handpicked team – may be the only thing preventing a full-scale takeover of the narrative. Their inability to effectively execute their agenda is creating internal revolt at CBS, generating negative publicity, and ultimately undermining their credibility. The comparison to the Soviet practice of airing Swan Lake during times of instability is apt. The current state of CBS News feels similarly disconnected from reality, a desperate attempt to project an image of normalcy while everything crumbles beneath the surface.
The future of media isn’t necessarily one of seamless, coordinated disinformation. It may be one of chaotic, self-sabotaging attempts at control, constantly undermined by the very flaws of those attempting to wield power. If U.S. media and democracy are to be salvaged, it may not be through grand reforms, but through the spectacular failures of those who underestimate the power of truth, and overestimate their own abilities. What are your predictions for the future of media ownership and its impact on journalistic integrity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
