The Rise of the Ellison Media Empire: A New Era for American News and Entertainment

Tech titan Larry Ellison and his son, Hollywood producer David Ellison, are positioning themselves to shake up the media landscape in the U.S. Their recent business deals could rival established dynasties like the Murdochs, with potential control over major outlets like CNN and CBS. Driven by Larry’s $370 billion fortune and his ties to Donald Trump, their influence is rapidly expanding beyond traditional tech ventures.

Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, has seen his wealth surge thanks to the tech company’s influence in artificial intelligence, even briefly claiming the title of the world’s richest person. While his past interests ranged from yachting to anti-aging research, his close relationship with Trump has garnered significant attention. Notably, Oracle has played a crucial role with TikTok, as part of a government-brokered arrangement to manage user data in the U.S., hinting at bigger stakes in the media sector.

Meanwhile, David Ellison’s journey in Hollywood began with a flop but evolved into success with his studio, Skydance, which has produced several blockbuster films. Acquiring Paramount marked a significant milestone, enabling him to oversee over 18,000 employees, and he is also eyeing a merger with Warner Brothers Discovery, which would consolidate control over many beloved franchises and networks like HBO and CNN.

The Ellisons’ ascendance has raised alarms among critics, particularly regarding media concentration and the potential influence over news coverage favorable to the Trump administration. Senator Elizabeth Warren has voiced concerns about the implications of such concentration of power, calling it a threat to democracy.

As the pair navigate the complexities of their new acquisitions, David Ellison attempts to distance Skydance from political agendas, promoting a vision of an inclusive entertainment company. However, some believe his operations reflect shifts towards compliance with administration demands. The outcomes of their ambitious plans could reshape American media, leveraging their tech and production backgrounds as a strategy to rival giants like Disney and Netflix.

Bold moves, significant political ties, and a focus on mergers suggest that the Ellisons are seizing the moment. As the political landscape shifts, how they leverage their newfound media control remains to be seen.