Sun, 28 Sep 2025

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 Move over, Murdochs - a new family dynasty is shaking up US media

Larry Ellison's relationship with Donald Trump has drawn scrutiny as the tech billionaire and his son strive to become major media moguls.
The Ellisons are also reportedly preparing to bid for Warner Brothers Discovery, home to Looney Tunes, Harry Potter, and Superman, as well as HBO and CNN. This potential tie-up has sparked concerns about a "dangerous concentration of power" in the media industry. David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance and one of the major investors in the Paramount deal, has said that his company will maintain its independence and objectivity. However, some critics have raised concerns about the influence of the Trump administration on news coverage and the potential for bias. The Ellisons' push to grow their media empire has been seen as a strategic move to seize the moment while they still have the administration's ear. Analysts believe that the family is looking to create content rather than prioritize news, but some experts warn that this could lead to a homogenization of voices in the media. The potential for bias and influence has sparked concerns among critics, who point to the Trump administration's history of targeting political foes and pushing for retribution. The controversy surrounding the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey has raised further questions about abuse of power and the implications for a free press.
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