Media Control and Political Influence
Dec, 25 2025
The article draws parallels to recent events at CBS News, where Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged the support of Larry and David Ellison, owners of CBS's parent company, Paramount. Trump expressed expectations for favorable coverage, which aligns with reports suggesting the Ellisons intend to steer the network towards a more conservative stance. This situation raises concerns about the relationship between corporate ownership and political favoritism in media.
Trump's dissatisfaction with CBS's coverage, despite his connections, led to the cancellation of a report on the administration's deportation practices, further highlighting the potential for political pressure on journalistic content. Critics note that the focus on the editorial decisions made by Bari Weiss, the new editor at CBS, overlooks the broader implications of corporate and political collusion in shaping media narratives.
The article critiques Weiss's editorial choices, suggesting that her interventions may reflect a bias that prioritizes political alignment over journalistic standards. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining independent media free from political coercion, as such dynamics threaten the foundational principles of liberal democracy, which require impartial governance and accountability.
The discussion concludes by asserting that the mechanisms of power that allow for such media manipulation undermine democratic integrity, regardless of the political affiliations involved. The implications of these actions extend beyond individual stories, affecting public trust in media and the overall health of democratic discourse.