John Malone, the veteran media billionaire known as the "cable cowboy," is stepping down as chairman of Liberty Media (LLYVK). This ends more than three decades at the helm of the company he helped build into a sprawling media empire. Malone, 84, will transition to chairman emeritus, effective Jan. 1 2026. Vice chairman Robert R. "Dob" Bennett will assume the role of chairman, according to a company statement. "Founding Liberty Media and serving as its Chairman has been among the most rewarding experienc ...

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. On Tuesday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) raised concerns about media consolidation, pointing to David Ellison's ties to President Donald Trump as he seeks control of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBD). Elizabeth Warren Flags Media Monopoly Risk In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Warren said, "One of Trump's billionaire buddies just bought Paramount. Now, he wants to buy Warner Bros," referring to ...

According to D&P Advisory’s 2025 IPL-WPL Valuation Report, titled “Beyond 22 Yards: The Power of Platforms, The Price of Regulation,” the two-year erosion of Rs 16,400 crore reflects a fundamental reset in India’s The second disruptive factor is the government’s prohibition on RMG advertising and sponsorship. According to D&P, the ban has wiped out an estimated Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000 crore of annual spending from the IPL ecosystem alone. Broader market estimates peg the total advertising loss across Indian spo ...

actor, activist, and lifelong New Yorker Cynthia Nixon. She's a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner who is known for her roles in hit shows Sex in the City, The Gilded Age, and many more. She also ran for governor of New York in 2018 2018, challenging then Governor Andrew Cuomo.So Cynthia, I guess let's just start with your reaction. And if you think Eric Adams exiting this race is going to change anything. I don't think it's going to change anything, but I do think uh it is a a clear sign that Donald Trump is us ...

Media Consolidation & Political Influence - Right-wing entities are consolidating power over local TV stations and potentially TikTok [1] - Mainstream media outlets are experiencing a chilling effect due to threats of lawsuits, impacting reporting on controversial stories [2][3] - Republicans are strategically acquiring media properties [3] Key Media Players & Acquisitions - A figure friendlier to Trump may take over CBS News [4] - Barry Weiss, with pro-Israel and anti-DEI views, is likely to acquire the Free Press [4] - Oracle is central to the takeover of TikTok, raising concerns about algorithm control by individuals friendly to Trump [5] Impact on Younger Voters & Information Consumption - Younger voters are primarily obtaining news from platforms like TikTok and X [6] - These platforms utilize algorithms that can be manipulated to influence users [6][7] - Concerns exist that TikTok, if controlled by entities friendly to Trump, could manipulate the algorithm to influence how people think and feel [7] National Security & Data Concerns - The original concern about TikTok was its control by the Chinese government, potentially collecting data and influencing public opinion [7] - Algorithm manipulation on these platforms poses a significant risk [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Paramount Skydance Corporation is rumored to be planning a preemptive acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to expand its entertainment portfolio [2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Strategy - The potential acquisition comes shortly after WBD announced plans to split into two entities by April 2026, which could influence the transaction's dynamics [4]. - Acquiring WBD before the split may allow Paramount Skydance to secure assets at a lower price compared to a competitive auction in the future [5]. - The acquisition would involve significant assets, including major franchise intellectual properties, making it a strategic move for market positioning [14]. Group 2: Regulatory and Business Challenges - The acquisition faces scrutiny from the Department of Justice due to antitrust concerns, similar to those raised during the Paramount and Skydance merger [6]. - The merger could lead to regulatory challenges regarding media consolidation, particularly concerning the ownership of multiple broadcast platforms [8]. - Paramount Skydance must also address shareholder concerns about the value of a sale compared to WBD's planned split into two publicly traded companies [9]. Group 3: Content Library and Market Position - Warner Bros. Discovery holds valuable franchises such as "Harry Potter," "The Lord of the Rings," and "DC Comics," which could significantly enhance the buyer's market position [14]. - The acquisition could reshape the competitive landscape of streaming services, as Warner Bros. has successfully bolstered its HBO Max platform with award-winning content [14]. - The ongoing media transformation emphasizes the importance of strategic mergers and acquisitions for traditional media companies to thrive in the digital age [15].

Core Viewpoint - Paramount Sky Dance is preparing a bid for Warner Brothers, with the potential for a cash-heavy structure, indicating an imminent offer expected next week [2][4]. Group 1: Bid Preparation - A source confirms that a bid is being prepared for Warner Brothers, aligning with reports from the Wall Street Journal [2]. - The structure of the bid remains unclear, but it is suggested that cash will play a significant role [2]. - The bid is anticipated to be announced soon, possibly next week, highlighting the urgency of the situation [2]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Warner Brothers shares have seen a significant increase, reflecting positive market sentiment regarding the potential bid [2]. - Paramount shares have also shown strength, indicating investor confidence in the proposed merger [2]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The merger of Warner Brothers and Paramount could raise antitrust concerns, although previous mergers, such as Disney's acquisition of Fox, have set precedents [3]. - The combination of the two studios could lead to substantial cost synergies and enhanced scale, particularly in their streaming services, HBO Max and Paramount Plus [4]. - A notable options trade involving 100,000 contracts for Warner Brothers Discovery calls suggests that market participants may have insider knowledge about the impending bid, resulting in significant profits [5].