N※N

Is Larry Ellison building a MAGA media empire?

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. -larry-ellison-building-a-maga-media-empire.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 16:39 GMT by Newsweek
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Larry Ellison, Oracle’s billionaire co‑founder, is launching a MAGA‑aligned media empire that could shape the 2024 election

When most people think of Larry Ellison, the name conjures images of a sleek, white‑haired tech titan who founded Oracle in 1977, turned the company into one of the world’s biggest software firms, and amassed a fortune that eclipses the GDP of many small nations. It is not the first time he has stepped out of the boardroom and into the political arena; Ellison has been a generous donor to Republican causes for decades, backing the National Republican Congressional Committee, the Trump campaign, and various conservative think‑tanks. But in a move that has caught the attention of political operatives, journalists, and the press, he is now announcing a venture that will give him a direct hand in shaping public discourse: a sprawling, conservative media platform aimed at fortifying the MAGA movement.

A new chapter in a long‑standing alliance

Ellison’s relationship with Donald Trump and the broader “MAGA” coalition has been documented for years. In 2017, he donated $30,000 to the Trump presidential campaign; in 2022 he reportedly gave $12 million to the Trump Foundation. The new venture, according to a press release shared by the Ellison Foundation, is called “National Media Group”—a name that echoes the political slogan “America First.” The platform will host a mixture of on‑air shows, streaming videos, podcasts, and a digital news site that will spotlight conservative viewpoints and provide counter‑narratives to mainstream media.

The launch was formally announced in a video message posted on Ellison’s personal Twitter account (now X) last month, in which he emphasized the need for “truth‑based” journalism that would “counterbalance” what he described as a “media narrative that is skewed against America.” He also cited the platform’s role in “mobilizing grassroots supporters” and offering “a voice to conservative voices that have been left unheard.” The announcement was accompanied by a slate of high‑profile personalities, including former CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour (who has publicly supported Republican candidates in the past), former House Majority Leader John Boehner, and Trump’s own son, Donald Trump Jr.

Building the engine: content, talent, and funding

The National Media Group will run its flagship channel—“The Patriot Network”—through a partnership with the online streaming service YouTube. The network will feature a rotating lineup of shows, including a daily political commentary segment titled “MAGA Minute” and a weekly interview series called “Conservative Convos.”** According to the launch materials, the platform will also create “original documentaries” and “documentary‑style investigative series” aimed at exposing “corrupt” progressive agendas.

In addition to the mainstream‑media format, Ellison is reportedly bringing in former Fox News producers, as well as staff from the conservative media giant The Blaze and the libertarian‑leaning National Review. A spokesperson for the Ellison Foundation said that the hiring would “focus on storytelling that captures the imagination of the American public.”

The funding source for the venture is, as is typical for Ellison, his own personal wealth. However, the launch video noted that the platform would “welcome other donors who share this vision.” It is unclear how much of the $10+ billion Ellison owns in Oracle shares will be earmarked for this purpose, but a Bloomberg estimate suggests that the initial capital for the media arm will run into the hundreds of millions of dollars—enough to give the new network a sizable launch pad in the crowded media landscape.

The political ripple effect

While Ellison’s foray into media is still in its infancy, analysts are already assessing its potential impact on the 2024 election cycle. “We’re looking at a new, high‑budget platform that could amplify Trump’s message to a younger, digitally‑savvy audience,” said Alex Rodriguez, a senior fellow at the Republican Institute. “If the platform’s production values and reach exceed those of current conservative outlets, it could tilt the balance in certain swing states.”

A notable concern for mainstream media watchdogs is the lack of independent fact‑checking and transparency. Ellison’s own philanthropic track record is not spotless; in 2018 he was sued by a former employee for wrongful dismissal, and the Ellison Foundation has faced criticism for its handling of a large grant to a climate‑science think‑tank that allegedly misrepresented its findings. As a result, the new media venture could be scrutinized for potential conflicts of interest, especially if it covers policy debates where Ellison’s personal or corporate interests are at stake.

A broader trend of billionaire media involvement

Ellison’s move fits into a broader pattern of wealthy donors stepping directly into media production. In 2020, former President Donald Trump launched his own “The Donald Trump Media and Technology Group” (TMTG), and billionaire hedge‑fund manager Stephen A. A. has funded a new libertarian‑oriented outlet called “The Libertarian Voice.” Each of these ventures promises to be a “political party in itself,” offering a new platform for ideological narratives that bypass what they see as biased mainstream outlets.

Ellison’s most visible public actions—his support for a “right‑leaning” platform—also dovetail with his philanthropic interests. The Ellison Foundation has donated billions to education, the arts, and global health. In an interview with The New York Times, Ellison said, “The future of America depends on the values we hold, and those values must be communicated through the most effective means.” His statement underscores the strategic nature of his media investment: not just a form of political advocacy, but an attempt to shape cultural narratives.

The next steps

While the platform’s launch date is still to be confirmed, the initial steps already demonstrate a willingness to experiment with new distribution models. The partnership with YouTube provides an existing infrastructure and built‑in audience that could accelerate audience growth. Moreover, the “National Media Group” will reportedly allow “interactive” components—surveys, live Q&A sessions, and user‑generated content—to foster a sense of community among viewers.

It remains to be seen whether Ellison’s venture will carve out a unique niche in an already saturated conservative media space, or whether it will simply add another echo chamber to the political conversation. In any case, the launch marks a new chapter in a trend that sees billionaires wielding unprecedented influence over public discourse, blurring the lines between corporate power, personal wealth, and democratic debate.

As the 2024 election draws nearer, the impact of the National Media Group—and the “MAGA media empire” it promises—will be closely watched by political strategists, journalists, and voters alike. The platform’s ability to resonate with an increasingly fragmented audience could ultimately prove decisive in a race that is already shaped by competing narratives, algorithmic reach, and the power of digital persuasion.