Tech billionaire Larry Ellison and his son, David Ellison, are making headlines as they pursue ambitious media deals that could see them take control over significant media entities, including TikTok and CNN. Their influence is growing within a landscape traditionally dominated by established dynasties like the Murdochs, possibly positioning the Ellisons as formidable players in the global media arena.
Central to this ascent is Larry Ellison’s close relationship with President Donald Trump, who has praised him as “an amazing man and amazing business person.” Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, a powerhouse in databases and cloud computing, has seen his wealth swell to approximately $370 billion, largely due to Oracle’s role in bolstering infrastructure for artificial intelligence. Recently, he briefly claimed the title of the world’s richest person, surpassing Elon Musk.
While Ellison’s previous interests leaned towards yachting and anti-aging research, his potential media empire appears to be driven by his political ties. He previously hosted a fundraiser for Trump, although federal records indicate he did not formally contribute to the campaign. During Trump’s first term, Oracle’s involvement with TikTok began, wherein the company acted as a host for the app’s user data in the U.S. Following a government-brokered agreement, Oracle is now expected to have a greater role, including managing TikTok’s algorithms.
Complementing his father’s endeavors, David Ellison, 42, has been carving his path in Hollywood since founding Skydance Media in 2010. He has successfully produced popular films such as “True Grit” and “Mission Impossible.” Recently, his acquisition of Paramount, which employs over 18,000 people and includes CBS, represents a significant expansion of his influence. This strategic move required Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval, which is led by a Trump loyalist.
As the Ellisons pursue other deals—including a potential bid for Warner Brothers Discovery, encompassing prominent franchises like Looney Tunes and HBO—critics are raising alarms about the implications of their growing media control. Concerns are particularly acute given their connections with the Trump administration, fueling fears about political influence over news coverage.
Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have labeled the concentration of power dangerous for democracy. Media watchdog group FAIR has expressed concern that the Ellisons controlling major media outlets like CBS and CNN, alongside a key social media platform like TikTok, represents a threat to independent journalism. House Democrats are launching investigations into potential commitments made by Paramount-Skydance to Trump as part of the acquisition process.
Amidst mounting scrutiny, David Ellison has distanced the company from any political agendas, emphasizing that Skydance aims to serve a broad audience. He has attempted to downplay comments aimed at influencing news coverage, stating a desire for independence and objectivity within the company. Some executives argue that swaying news content would be counterproductive.
Wall Street, however, remains optimistic about the potential merger between Paramount and Warner Brothers Discovery, viewing it as an opportunity to rival major competitors like Disney and Netflix. Analysts note that David Ellison’s cinematic background positions him favorably in media compared to other tech moguls, although he has shown limited interest in news coverage as a priority.
Experts suggest that the Ellisons are attempting to capitalize on their current political connections, as shifts in administration could alter their prospects. The future remains uncertain, especially as history shows that alliances forged with political figures can quickly shift, raising questions about the sustainability of their burgeoning media empire.
