Larry Ellison Set to Revolutionize US Media Landscape

Billionaire Larry Ellison is poised to become one of the most influential figures in the United States media landscape, according to an opinion piece published by the *New York Times*. The 81-year-old founder of Oracle, who has close ties to former President Donald Trump, is expected to significantly expand his holdings in major media companies, potentially altering the dynamics of American media.

Ellison’s influence is already evident through his substantial stake in CBS and Paramount, which he acquired via his son David Ellison’s company, Skydance Media. This venture recently completed an $8.4 billion merger with Paramount, resulting in the establishment of Paramount Skydance Corporation. Following this merger, the newly formed entity secured a lucrative seven-year contract worth $7.7 billion to broadcast and stream events for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

UFC’s Chief Executive Dana White, known for his support of Trump, was even a speaker at the 2024 Republican National Convention. The *New York Times* suggests that the ramifications of Ellison’s media ambitions could resemble those of Rupert Murdoch’s establishment of Fox News, which played a pivotal role in shaping political polarization in the United States.

Expanding Media Footprint

Ellison’s aspirations extend beyond traditional media. Reports indicate that he is collaborating with Oracle and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz in a bid to acquire a significant stake in TikTok, part of a broader initiative backed by Trump. Additionally, there are discussions about a potential all-cash bid of up to $80 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns prominent brands such as CNN, HBO, and Warner Bros. studios.

If successful, Ellison could control a powerful combination of social media platforms, a renowned Hollywood studio, and one of the largest content streaming services in the country. This consolidation of media power could provide Trump with an influential ally in the media landscape, especially as he has frequently criticized mainstream outlets, including the *New York Times*, for perceived bias against conservative viewpoints.

Trump has claimed that these outlets propagate false narratives to undermine his presidency, creating a complex environment for media relations in the United States. As Ellison moves to solidify his position, his actions will likely have lasting effects on the media industry and its intersection with politics.

The developments surrounding Ellison’s media ventures will be closely watched, as they could reshape how news and entertainment are consumed in the years to come.