Larry and David Ellison emerge as global media power duo, blending tech, content, and platforms to reshape influence

Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle, and his son David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance Media, are rapidly transforming the global media landscape through a multi-layered strategy that fuses content creation, platform control, and algorithmic influence. Their combined moves in 2025—from an $8 billion merger with Paramount Global to a strategic stake in TikTok’s U.S. operations—signal a new era of media consolidation driven by tech infrastructure and political leverage.

While Larry Ellison built his empire in enterprise software and cloud computing, David Ellison has emerged as a Hollywood heavyweight, now leading Paramount Skydance Corporation. Together, they are not just acquiring media assets—they are redefining how stories are produced, distributed, and surfaced in the digital age.

Ellison Media Empire – Strategic Layers of Influence

David Ellison’s Skydance Media finalized its merger with Paramount Global in August 2025, creating Paramount Skydance Corporation. The deal consolidated major entertainment brands under one umbrella, including CBS News, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Showtime. David now serves as Chairman and CEO, while Jeff Shell, former NBCUniversal chief, is President. Regulatory approvals from the FCC and European Commission have positioned the new entity as a dominant force in global media.

Paramount Skydance Merger – Deal Overview

The Ellisons are reportedly exploring a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns CNN, HBO, and TBS. If successful, this would give them control over some of the most influential news and entertainment channels in the U.S., further consolidating their media footprint.

Meanwhile, Larry Ellison’s Oracle is leading a consortium that now controls TikTok’s U.S. operations. Under a restructuring deal approved by President Donald Trump, Oracle hosts all U.S. user data and is expected to oversee TikTok’s algorithmic governance. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent, retains less than 20% of the new entity, with the majority held by American investors including Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowitz.

TikTok U.S. Restructuring – Oracle’s Role

This dual control—of both content and distribution—gives the Ellisons unprecedented influence over what people watch and how they watch it. Oracle’s AI infrastructure, already powering OpenAI’s hyperscale systems, is now being deployed to manage TikTok’s algorithmic behavior, ensuring compliance with U.S. security norms and shaping user engagement.

Oracle’s AI Infrastructure – Media Integration

Larry Ellison’s political connections have also played a role. He has hosted fundraisers for Donald Trump, backed Senators Marco Rubio and Tim Scott, and appeared alongside tech leaders in White House briefings. His influence in Washington has helped Oracle secure federal contracts and shape national AI policy, including the Stargate initiative—a government-backed AI infrastructure project announced in 2025.

Larry Ellison’s Political Influence – Strategic Leverage

David Ellison’s Hollywood ascent complements his father’s tech dominance. Skydance has produced blockbuster franchises like Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, and Jack Reacher. With Paramount’s assets now under his control, David is positioned to shape entertainment narratives across film, television, and streaming.

David Ellison’s Content Portfolio – Hollywood Influence

Together, the Ellisons are building a media empire that spans content creation (Paramount, CBS), platform control (TikTok), and algorithmic influence (Oracle AI). This tri-layered strategy is not just about owning media—it’s about shaping public discourse, cultural narratives, and digital engagement at scale.

Industry analysts have compared the Ellisons’ rise to the Murdoch dynasty, noting that their blend of tech infrastructure and entertainment assets gives them a unique edge. Unlike traditional media moguls, the Ellisons operate across cloud systems, AI governance, and Hollywood studios—making them formidable players in the future of global media.

Social media platforms and investor forums have responded with intense interest, with hashtags like #EllisonMediaEmpire, #ParamountSkydance, and #TikTokTakeover trending across Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Media watchdogs have raised concerns about consolidation and algorithmic control, while tech insiders view the Ellisons’ strategy as a blueprint for next-gen media dominance.

Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Ellison Media Moves

In conclusion, Larry and David Ellison are reshaping global media through a powerful blend of tech infrastructure, content ownership, and platform governance. Their moves in 2025—from the Paramount merger to the TikTok restructuring—signal a new model of media influence that transcends traditional boundaries. As they consolidate control across storytelling, distribution, and algorithms, the Ellisons are not just building a media empire—they are redefining how the world consumes information.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available financial disclosures, verified media reports, and regulatory filings. It does not constitute investment advice or prediction of business outcomes. Readers are advised to follow official updates from Oracle, Paramount Skydance, and relevant government agencies for accurate information.