Larry Ellison's Media Empire Expands: Oracle Co-Founder Poised to Control CBS, Paramount, CNN, and TikTok

Larry Ellison's Rise to Media Dominance: A Billionaire's Influence Over TikTok and Beyond Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has made a significant foray into the media industry, with his family poised to own CBS, Paramount, CNN, and TikTok. This unprecedented consolidation of media power raises questions about the implications of such a move on the industry and society as a whole. In recent months, Ellison's son, David, took control of CBS News, while Larry Ellison was tapped by President Trump to oversee the US operations of TikTok, the popular social media app owned by ByteDance. The Ellisons are now set to make a bid for WarnerMedia, parent company of CNN, in a deal that could give them control over a significant portion of the global media landscape. Oracle's involvement in the media industry is not new; the company has been expanding its reach through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. However, this latest development marks a significant shift towards Ellison's family becoming a major player in the media world. George Polisner, an Oracle executive, acknowledged the company's growing presence in the media sector: "We've been investing heavily in cloud storage solutions for media companies, which has given us a unique understanding of their needs and challenges." The implications of this consolidation are far-reaching. Media experts warn that such a concentration of power could lead to reduced diversity of viewpoints and increased homogenization of content. "This is a classic case of vertical integration," said media analyst, Michael Nathanson. "When you have one company controlling multiple outlets, it can stifle innovation and limit the range of perspectives available to consumers." The Ellisons' bid for WarnerMedia is expected to face intense scrutiny from regulators and industry stakeholders. The deal's success will depend on various factors, including the outcome of regulatory reviews and the level of competition from other bidders. As the media landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Larry Ellison's family has emerged as a significant force in shaping the future of the industry. Whether this development will lead to greater diversity or reduced competition remains to be seen. Background Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977 and has since become one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. His son, David, took control of CBS News in June, marking a significant expansion of the family's media interests. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, has been at the center of controversy over data security and censorship concerns. President Trump's decision to tap Ellison to oversee US operations was seen as an attempt to address these issues. Additional Perspectives Industry experts warn that this consolidation could lead to reduced competition and increased costs for consumers. "This is a worrying trend," said media analyst, Rebecca Grant. "When one company controls multiple outlets, it can stifle innovation and limit the range of perspectives available to consumers." Current Status and Next Developments The Ellisons' bid for WarnerMedia is expected to face intense scrutiny from regulators and industry stakeholders. The deal's success will depend on various factors, including the outcome of regulatory reviews and the level of competition from other bidders. As the media landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Larry Ellison's family has emerged as a significant force in shaping the future of the industry. Whether this development will lead to greater diversity or reduced competition remains to be seen. *Reporting by Npr.*