Tech Tycoon Larry Ellison: A New Force in Media and Politics

Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, has long been a figure of intrigue in the tech world. Since establishing the software giant in 1977, Ellison has amassed a fortune estimated at billions, holding a 41% stake in the company. Unlike many of today’s vocal Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Ellison has maintained a relatively low profile, shunning the limelight and limiting his public appearances. However, recent developments indicate that he is stepping into a new role that could reshape the media landscape and influence political discourse in the United States.

A Different Kind of Entrepreneur

Ellison’s approach to business has always been unconventional. While he has invested heavily in personal interests, such as yachting and real estate, his recent ventures into the media sector have raised eyebrows. His extravagant spending includes an estimated $875 million on the Oracle racing team, which has won the prestigious America’s Cup twice, and around $200 million on a California estate designed to resemble a 16th-century Japanese palace.

In 2022, Ellison made headlines by investing $1 billion in Elon Musk‘s acquisition of Twitter, citing the venture as “lots of fun.” His personal life has also attracted attention; he has been married six times, with his latest wife, Jolin Zhu, nearly 50 years his junior.

Media Ventures and Political Implications

Ellison’s recent moves in the media sector have positioned him as a significant player in shaping public discourse. Through Skydance Media’s acquisition of Paramount, which was partially funded by private equity firm RedBird Capital, he has gained access to a media empire that includes CBS and Channel 5. Should his proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery succeed, Ellison would control one of the most prestigious film studios globally, along with influential platforms like HBO and CNN.

Moreover, Ellison is reportedly in discussions to acquire TikTok, a platform with nearly 150 million users in the U.S. This potential deal, backed by Marc Andreessen’s venture capital firm a16z, could further solidify Ellison’s influence over both traditional and new media outlets.

A Shift to the Right

As Ellison’s media empire expands, questions arise about his political affiliations and how they may influence the content produced by his outlets. Historically, Ellison supported Democratic figures like Bill Clinton, but his recent alignment with former President Donald Trump has raised eyebrows. In 2020, he hosted a fundraiser for Trump at his estate, and reports indicate he participated in discussions about contesting the 2020 election results.

Recent actions within his media holdings suggest a shift toward conservative viewpoints. For instance, CBS recently dismissed late-night host Stephen Colbert shortly after he criticized the network’s decision to settle a lawsuit with Trump, calling it a “big fat bribe.” Additionally, Skydance has publicly rejected diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, a move that appears to align with the Trump administration’s preferences.

Ellison’s media outlets are also reportedly in talks to acquire The Free Press, an online platform founded by Bari Weiss, a journalist known for her “anti-woke” stance. This potential deal could see Weiss taking a senior role at CBS, further solidifying the conservative tilt of Ellison’s media empire.

The Broader Media Landscape

Ellison’s influence comes at a time when the U.S. media landscape is undergoing significant changes. Analysts note a trend toward conservatism in major media outlets, paralleling Trump’s increasing control over liberal media adversaries. For example, Disney recently removed Jimmy Kimmel from the air following controversial remarks he made, a decision that was met with approval from Trump.

Media analyst Alex DeGroote observes that “Trump is knocking off one by one all the late-night TV show hosts, at the same time the actual ownership of the networks is changing as well.” This shift suggests a broader “conservativization” of U.S. media, with Ellison at the forefront of this transformation.

The Future of Media and Politics

As Ellison continues to expand his media empire, the implications for American politics and public discourse are profound. His investments place him at the center of a media landscape that could significantly influence public opinion and political narratives. Whether this shift is driven by ideological beliefs or a pragmatic approach to business remains to be seen.

The octogenarian tech mogul, who has long operated in the shadows of Silicon Valley’s more flamboyant figures, is now poised to take a leading role in shaping the future of media in the United States. As the lines between technology, media, and politics blur, Ellison’s actions will be closely scrutinized by both supporters and critics alike.

Conclusion

Larry Ellison’s foray into the media sector marks a significant turning point in the intersection of technology and politics. With his investments in major media outlets and a clear alignment with conservative ideologies, he is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the narratives that dominate public discourse. As the media landscape evolves, the implications of Ellison’s influence will be felt across generations, raising important questions about the future of journalism, political discourse, and the role of technology in society.