By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former President Donald Trump revealed during a Fox News interview that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch are likely to be involved in the potential acquisition of TikTok in the US. Trump mentioned other key players, including Larry Ellison and Michael Dell, while emphasizing that the Murdochs, through the Fox Corporation, are part of the group. This development follows a law passed by Congress mandating the sale of TikTok to a US company due to national security concerns. White House officials have also stated that the acquisition would ensure American control over data and the company’s board.
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Trump says Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch likely part of US TikTok investor group – well, that’s certainly a statement that sparks some interesting thoughts, doesn’t it? It immediately makes you wonder, is this a power grab, a business deal, or just another chapter in the ongoing saga of media consolidation and political influence? The mere suggestion that the Murdochs, known for their ownership of Fox News and a vast media empire, might be involved in taking control of TikTok in the US sets the stage for a whole lot of speculation and, let’s be honest, a bit of dread for some.
What kind of potential outcomes are there? Well, let’s start with the obvious: more propaganda. The fear is that TikTok, currently a platform where diverse voices and perspectives, and, let’s not forget, the latest dance crazes, now becomes another vehicle for a specific political agenda. Imagine a future where every video is subtly (or not so subtly) pushing a certain viewpoint, shaping the opinions of millions of young people, particularly Gen Z and the younger Gen Alpha demographics, who are already heavily invested in the platform. If that happens, the app will likely be filled with a specific type of content and users will likely decline in favor of other options.
The idea of the Murdochs getting their hands on TikTok also immediately raises questions about the impact on existing content creators and influencers. Imagine if this group takes over and imposes copyright and other filters that dilute engagements. The fear is that the organic nature of the platform, the very thing that made it so popular, could be eroded, potentially crushing the dreams of millions who made their names on the platform. The parallels to the Murdochs’ previous ventures, like their acquisition and eventual decline of MySpace, are hard to ignore. Could the same fate await TikTok?
The question of “who’s in charge” also comes up. If the Murdochs are indeed involved, it suggests a shift toward a more centralized, controlled approach, where algorithms and content are curated to promote specific interests. If that occurs then this will likely lead to the platform fading away. This raises the spectre of a “MAG-Tok,” a platform where the Republican party propaganda machine takes control, with all the potential consequences that entails.
It makes you wonder, too, about the legal and financial complexities of such a deal. Trump’s history with the Murdochs, particularly the fact that he has sued them, adds another layer of intrigue. Is this a reconciliation? A strategic alliance? Or is it simply about control, about ensuring that a platform used by millions is aligned with his political goals?
The other potential outcome, of course, is the complete opposite of what is hoped. The fact that it is being discussed that the Murdochs are involved, and the fear that that will occur, could drive users away and cause the app to collapse. Would it really be surprising if, in the end, this whole venture ends up being a self-inflicted wound for TikTok?
From a societal standpoint, this all seems to feed into a larger narrative about the concentration of wealth and power, and the blurring lines between media, politics, and business. If a cabal of far-right wing billionaires end up controlling public discourse, it sets up a scenario where the average person’s access to information is heavily curated, and where dissenting voices are marginalized or silenced. It also means the rich own everything, as Carlin would say.
And then there’s the question of whether a move like this actually makes a difference. Social media, after all, is already a tool of billionaires and authoritarian regimes. The question of whether this shift could impact the average American family is something that will take time to see.