Unpacking the TikTok Takeover & The Dangers of a Few Owning All Media

In this insightful Market Mondays clip, Ian Dunlap and Rashad Bilal dive deep into the high-stakes world of media conglomerates, data acquisition, and the brewing TikTok takeover. The conversation unfolds around the chess moves of industry giants like Oracle, Silver Lake, and enigmatic figures such as Larry Ellison, revealing how power, influence, and data are being consolidated in fewer hands than ever before. You’ll hear Ian break down the wider implications of Silver Lake’s expanding empire—from data centers and major entertainment acquisitions (like Endeavor, WWE, UFC, and EA Sports) to the undeniable impact of the TikTok deal. Together with Rashad, they connect the dots between AI, media, gaming, and cloud infrastructure, highlighting the masterminds behind this web of control and influence. The hosts debate the safety and ethics of shifting TikTok’s algorithm to US hands, questioning whether this really improves user security or simply swaps one set of gatekeepers for another. Ian candidly shares concerns about “stepped-on,” watered-down algorithms and makes colorful analogies to help the audience grasp these layered business plays. Rashad raises the alarm over the societal consequences of letting elite billionaires dominate news and social platforms—pointing to the likes of Elon Musk (X), Mark Zuckerberg (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp), Jeff Bezos (Washington Post), and even Rupert Murdoch. Together, they address the very real risk of propaganda and narrative control, especially as X heads further right and TikTok faces similar influences if new ownership goes through. The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough questions: Is this new TikTok group any safer than the previous owners? Are we actually in control of our own data? Both Ian and Rashad illustrate how, through clever business maneuvers, these conglomerates can dominate every aspect of content, gaming, and attention. The summary? Monopoly is nothing new in America, but now it’s more transparent than ever. This clip is packed with hot takes, strategic breakdowns, and a clear-eyed look at what media ownership means for the next decade—plus why everyday users must wake up to what’s really happening behind the scenes. Whether you’re an investor, a creator, or just a concerned citizen, you’ll want to catch every minute. * #MarketMondays #TikTokTakeover #MediaMonopoly #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #Oracle #SilverLake #AI #SocialMedia #TechNews #MediaPower #DataPrivacy #BusinessAnalysis * See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.