Bernie Sanders' Media Monopoly Alert: Right-Wing Ellisons to Control TikTok, CBS, HBO & Dozens More

Bernie Sanders has once again raised the alarm over the burgeoning Ellison media monopoly, warning that the right-wing, Trump-aligned Ellison family is on the verge of controlling an enormous portion of America's media landscape.

This includes influence over TikTok's US algorithm through Oracle, ownership of CBS and MTV via the Paramount Skydance merger, and potentially HBO, CNN, and more through a proposed Warner Bros Discovery acquisition.

The Rise of the Ellison Media Empire

The foundation of the Ellisons' media dominance was laid with the £5.98 billion ($8 billion) merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global, finalised in August 2025. David Ellison, son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, assumed the role of chairman and chief executive of the new entity, Paramount Skydance.

This entity now encompasses a vast array of assets, including television networks like CBS, BET, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon; streaming services such as Paramount+ and Pluto TV; and film studios with iconic franchises. Skydance, established by David in 2006, had previously co-produced hits with Paramount, such as the Mission: Impossible series and Top Gun: Maverick.

The deal, which faced regulatory hurdles but ultimately received approval from the Federal Communications Commission in July 2025, was backed by substantial investment from Larry Ellison, who holds a substantial stake. This move has been seen as a natural extension of the family's business acumen, though not without raising eyebrows over potential conflicts of interest given their right-wing affiliations.

Sanders' Warnings on the Ellison Media Monopoly

US Senator Bernie Sanders has been unflinching in his criticism of this consolidation. In a post on X from January 2026, he declared, 'Thanks to Trump, right-wing multibillionaire Larry Ellison will now control the TikTok algorithm, along with CBS, MTV, The Free Press, BET, CMT, Simon & Schuster, Nickelodeon, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and more. This is what Oligarchy looks like'.

Sanders argues that such control by a single family threatens democratic discourse. Adding fuel to the fire are Larry Ellison's political donations, which have predominantly supported Republicans. For instance, he contributed £11.2 million ($15 million) to a super PAC backing Senator Tim Scott in 2022 and hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump in 2020. Regarding TikTok, Oracle—where Larry holds a major stake—secured a 15% stake in the app's new US joint venture in January 2026, responsible for data protection and algorithm security to comply with national security mandates.

While officials insist this setup safeguards interests, Sanders and others contend it grants undue influence to a politically aligned billionaire whose net worth stands at £156 million ($209 million).

Broader Implications for the Industry

The announced £82 billion ($110 billion) acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery by Paramount Skydance earlier this year could amplify these concerns exponentially. If approved, it would incorporate CNN, HBO, Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network, and DC Studios into the Ellison fold, creating one of the largest media conglomerates ever.

Analysts note that this level of concentration might stifle competition, limit content diversity, and introduce biases, particularly given the family's right-wing leanings. Regulatory bodies are scrutinising the deal, but with a favourable administration in place, passage appears probable.

As the Ellison media monopoly evolves, questions persist about balancing innovation with fair competition. With no immediate interventions on the horizon, the family's grip on information flow may only tighten, prompting ongoing scrutiny from lawmakers like Sanders.