Tom Steyer, the billionaire Democrat and California gubernatorial candidate, expressed his worries that the merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount signifies a “right-wing takeover of the media.”
I certainly hope that’s not the case.
Steyer remarked, “This is a right-wing takeover of the media,” as reported by a source earlier this week. He pointed out that the right wing seems intent on controlling information. “In staging a coup, you can control two things: the military and the media outlets.”
Steyer also mentioned, “I used to think Ted Turner was brilliant—so innovative and ahead of his time. And then, CNN emerged as the dominant news network, a trusted source… but it eventually fell into the hands of one of Donald Trump’s associates. Really?”
It’s amusing that even Steyer acknowledges CNN’s previous status as the most reliable news source. “Was” is a telling word, indicating a shift in perception.
If the merger proceeds, David Ellison will oversee CNN, a channel that has often been criticized for pushing conspiracy theories and political narratives. It’s noteworthy that Ellison has connections to President Trump.
It’s quite ironic to hear Steyer comment on this, especially considering that the source of these claims, *Hollywood Reporter*, is part of Penske Media, which has established itself as a notably exclusive and partisan media conglomerate.
Consider this: Penske publishes *Variety, Rolling Stone*, and *Deadline Hollywood*, among others. They also own Dick Clark Productions, which has accolades like the Golden Globe Awards and the American Music Awards. It’s a pretty selective circle.
Here we are, facing a left-leaning media monopoly.
ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, NPR, PBS, along with major news outlets like the *Washington Post* and *New York Times*, plus platforms like Netflix and Amazon, constitute a vast landscape of left-wing organizations.
In this context, Steyer’s anxiety about a “takeover” seems misplaced. Perhaps now that Ellison is in charge, there might be a shift away from the prevailing leftist narratives.
I genuinely hope that’s the case.
I wish Ellison might indeed aim for a “right-wing takeover” of the media, although that seems unlikely. He took over CBS News, which hasn’t significantly changed, and the moment for a media “right-wing takeover” may have already passed.
While Steyer decried a “Right-wing takeover,” the Penske media machine seemed to embrace the term as if it held negative connotations.
But does it really?
Opening borders while targeting ICE agents is concerning, and Steyer has made such promises if elected as Governor of California.
I do hope Steyer prevails; watching California’s chaotic trajectory is more captivating than its films or television shows.
