Move over Murdochs, here come the Ellisons

In this episode, The Guardian explores the significant media consolidation efforts of the Ellison family, featuring billionaire Larry Ellison and his son David. Larry, co-founder of Oracle, has transitioned into the media sphere by acquiring Paramount Studios, which includes CBS News. The discussions touch on David's journey from a failed actor to CEO of Paramount and the political affiliations of the Ellisons, particularly their connections to Donald Trump.

Readers learn about how the Ellisons aim to reshape CBS News, allegedly steering it to the right under the leadership of Barry Weiss, who promotes anti-woke views. The episode raises concerns about the implications of this ownership on media neutrality and journalistic independence, especially with the familial ties to Trump, whom they reportedly support.

The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is described as a major upcoming event that could solidify the Ellisons' status as media moguls. The conversation reflects on how Trump's influence and regulatory measures may help facilitate these mergers, shaping the future of news and media in the United States. Notably, the Ellisons' stake in TikTok also highlights their interest in modern media platforms.