All articles tagged with #ellison family
Paramount Skydance issued $52bn in investment-grade bonds to fund its Warner Bros. acquisition despite a recent downgrade to junk status. The deal relies on a first-lien charge and a deleveraging commitment from the Ellison family to maintain investment-grade ratings, but market reception has been mixed.
A New York Post columnist argues California AG Rob Bonta’s bid to block Paramount’s $81 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery is more political theater than solid antitrust action, fueled by Hollywood influence and public pressure from actor Mark Ruffalo. The piece claims the case rests on weak antitrust grounds, highlights perceived hypocrisy, and portrays Bonta as pursuing publicity ahead of potential gubernatorial ambitions.
Hannah Einbinder publicly supported Mark Ruffalo after a Paramount spokesperson accused him of antisemitism for highlighting the Ellison family’s ties to Israel and its military tech, calling the accusation “ludicrous” and noting other connections to the merger. Ruffalo pushed back on antisemitism claims on X, saying criticizing actions or policies is not the same as attacking Jewish people, while Einbinder framed the controversy as a broader Hollywood-working-class issue and praised Ruffalo for speaking out against powerful moguls.
Paramount Global shareholder Paul Robbins filed a derivative suit in Delaware Chancery Court accusing David and Larry Ellison of orchestrating an 'illegal' side deal with Donald Trump to win federal approval for Paramount Skydance’s $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, including alleged plans to funnel cash to Trump and to dismiss CNN anchors he dislikes. The suit seeks to block the merger and damages, arguing the arrangement risks Paramount and its investors and invites future regulatory scrutiny; Trump is not named as a defendant.
The DOJ approved Paramount's $111 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially placing CBS News and CNN under the Ellison family's control and intensifying media consolidation. Critics warn the arrangement could distort news coverage to please the presidency and curb independent journalism, prompting calls for state AGs to challenge the deal amid ongoing concerns about concentration in the media landscape.
Two press-freedom groups that own shares in Paramount Skydance are demanding access to the company’s books amid allegations that David and Larry Ellison promised favors to the White House to win approval for Paramount’s $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, including alleged plans to overhaul CNN. The groups warn such conduct could breach fiduciary duties and invite civil or criminal penalties, as regulators weigh the deal amid debt concerns and broad political and industry opposition.
Warner Bros. Discovery could announce talks with Paramount after the Ellison family’s amended offer adds concessions, while WBD continues its Netflix deal. Paramount’s bid remains a cash offer with a ticking fee and a termination fee, prompting shareholder interest to weigh all options as the bid process evolves.
The Ellison father–son duo oversee a sprawling media portfolio (CBS News, Paramount Pictures, TikTok stake) but confront a harsh reality: high leverage, political and editorial controversy, and a maturing streaming landscape as Paramount presses a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, all amid regulatory and market headwinds.
The article critiques CBS's new debate series 'Things That Matter,' funded by Bank of America and led by Bari Weiss, highlighting concerns about media bias, influence of wealthy elites like the Ellison family, and the focus on controversial topics like feminism, which the author suggests may serve the interests of powerful conservative figures rather than genuinely addressing women's issues.
The Ellison family, led by billionaire Larry Ellison and his son David, is building a vast and diverse media empire through major deals involving CBS, Paramount, TikTok, and online media, with plans to influence the future of U.S. business and culture, amid political and cultural shifts.
Larry Ellison's son, David Ellison, through Skydance Media, is reportedly preparing a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which would significantly expand the family's influence in the entertainment industry. The Ellison family has notable political connections and interests in conservative media and politics, including potential involvement with CBS and other media ventures.