Hold onto your hats, because the media landscape is about to get a whole lot smaller—and Jon Stewart isn’t mincing words about it. In a bold prediction, the comedian warns of a ‘bloodletting’ as his new billionaire boss, Skydance CEO David Ellison, continues to devour major media companies like they’re going out of style. Stewart, never one to shy away from controversy, joked on The Weekly Show that Ellison should ‘have it all,’ sarcastically questioning why there are even separate media companies anymore. ‘Shouldn’t we just be fired and hired by the same guy?’ he quipped, leaving the audience both laughing and uncomfortably aware of the truth in his humor.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Ellison’s Skydance isn’t stopping at Paramount, the parent company of The Daily Show. Now, Warner Bros. Discovery is in his crosshairs, and if successful, this would mean CNN, HBO, Warner Bros. Studios, and more would fall under his control. Stewart didn’t hold back, sarcastically dismissing concerns about media monopolies with a jab at diversity, equity, and inclusion: ‘Isn’t that what it’s all about?’ he asked, clearly highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
And this is the part most people miss: Stewart’s humor isn’t just for laughs. He’s been vocal about the dangers of media consolidation, even calling out Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Donald Trump as ‘illegal’ during its merger with Skydance. ‘I’m not a lawyer, but I did watch Goodfellas,’ he joked on The Daily Show, drawing a line between corporate deals and organized crime. Is this just business as usual, or is there something deeply troubling about one person controlling so much of what we see and hear?
Stewart’s future at The Daily Show has been uncertain, and he’s openly questioned whether the show will survive the shakeup. ‘They may sell the whole f---ing place for parts,’ he admitted, though he remains proud of his team. Yet, despite the uncertainty, he’s stayed on air—for now. But he’s convinced the ‘bloodletting’ is coming, and soon. ‘It might even be this week or next week,’ he warned ominously.
As Skydance continues its media takeover, Stewart’s sarcastic quips cut to the heart of the issue: What happens when one person controls the narrative? ‘It’s about time we all shared the same media,’ he joked, but the underlying question is no laughing matter. Is this the future of media—a single voice drowning out all others? Or is there still room for diversity in an industry increasingly controlled by a few? Stewart leaves us with a wild reality to ponder: ‘It’s a wild time,’ he concluded, and he’s not wrong. What do you think? Is media consolidation a necessary evil, or a threat to free expression? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
