Sanders Sees Authoritarianism, Ignores Media Consolidation
Bernie Sanders, speaking to The Hill , voiced concern over Jared Kushner's alleged role in a private equity bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, framing it as a dangerous step towards 'authoritarianism.' While Sanders points a finger at the usual suspects, establishment media narratives—like The Hill's own—conveniently sidestep how such bids, regardless of who is behind them, contribute to media
consolidation and corporate ownership, warping public discourse. We’re discussing a world where six corporations control 90% of US media, yet the focus remains on individual players. The issue isn't merely who's buying, but that media ownership is increasingly concentrated in fewer, politically connected hands. For instance, AT&T's acquisition of Time Warner (now Warner Bros. Discovery) in 2018
was greenlit, paving the way for these subsequent maneuvers. Politicians might grandstand about 'authoritarianism' when a Trump-adjacent figure is involved, but where was the consistent alarm when defense contractors or Saudi-backed entities were buying up influence? One might wonder if the real authoritarian move is the constant consolidation itself, rather than who happens to be holding the
checkbook this week.