At 81, Larry Ellison—Oracle co-founder and one of the world’s wealthiest men—has become a media powerbroker alongside his son, David. The Ellisons now shape a Hollywood-to-tech empire spanning CBS, Paramount, TikTok, and possibly CNN, stirring debate about the future of news, entertainment, and digital influence.
Key Highlights on Larry Ellison’s Media Empire
Larry Ellison, long known as Oracle’s founder and database pioneer, has a net worth estimated near $345-$370 billion. After briefly topping global wealth charts in 2025, Ellison is reshaping his legacy by moving aggressively into media, supporting his son David’s high-profile Hollywood ambitions.
The Ellison family’s bold moves include David’s Skydance Media acquiring Paramount Global, giving them sway over major news and entertainment platforms like CBS. The duo are reportedly eyeing Warner Bros. Discovery (CNN’s parent) as their next big leap—potentially creating the largest U.S. media conglomerate.
Larry Ellison also leads a U.S. investor group purchasing TikTok’s American operations, a deal catalyzed by President Trump’s executive order. Oracle’s role is central: the company will help run TikTok’s U.S. user data and security, aligning the platform with government requirements.
The Ellisons’ media push has drawn political scrutiny. Their friendship with President Trump, role in campaign funding, and allegations of favorable deals have raised concerns about influence over news, entertainment, and digital discourse.
Critics—including lawmakers and media watchdogs—warn of “dangerous concentration of power,” especially if CBS, CNN, and TikTok come under one family’s control. Some worry over partisan influences, while others highlight the unprecedented leverage such digital and broadcast assets yield.
Supporters, meanwhile, argue that the Ellisons’ investment in media and technology can modernize legacy networks, pioneer AI-driven content production, and better manage consumer data security in a rapidly evolving industry.
Sources: Fortune, Yahoo Finance, NPR, BBC, New York Times