Media News Daily: Top Stories for 09/23/2025

Murdochs, Dell, and Ellison Among Potential U.S. Investors in TikTok Deal

President Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, tech billionaire Michael Dell, and Oracle chairman Larry Ellison are among the U.S. investors likely to be part of a forthcoming TikTok acquisition deal. The deal, aimed at transferring U.S. operations of TikTok into American control, remains in flux with no confirmed timeline, final list of investors, or leadership structure. Trump said the Chinese government has approved the arrangement, while the White House confirmed the deal is expected “in the coming days.” (Read More) (Axios Rating)

Oracle to Manage TikTok Algorithm for U.S. Amid National Security Push

A senior Trump administration official confirmed that Oracle will receive a copy of TikTok’s algorithm to operate the U.S. version of the app, a key issue in ongoing negotiations over national security concerns. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, will retain only a minority stake in the restructured entity. The Biden administration previously passed legislation mandating TikTok’s divestiture to avoid a ban, and Trump has since extended the deadline multiple times to allow deal talks to proceed. Oracle’s role is seen as central to addressing data security issues, although full details of the investment group remain undisclosed. (Read More) (Associated Press Rating)

NYC Mayoral Candidate Cancels WABC Town Hall Over Disney’s Kimmel Suspension

New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani canceled a scheduled town hall with WABC, citing Disney’s indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel from his late-night show as a protest against corporate interference in media. Kimmel was suspended following FCC pressure over his controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Mamdani criticized both Disney and political leaders for compromising press freedom in response to political pressure. Kimmel had accused Republicans of politicizing Kirk’s death and made satirical comments that sparked backlash from conservative circles and regulators. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)