Media Analyst Suggests Comcast Hire Erika Kirk for NBC, CNN

A prominent media analyst has proposed an unconventional approach for Comcast to gain favor with former President Donald Trump in its pursuit of acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Rich Greenfield, of LightShed Partners, suggests that Comcast appoint Erika Kirk, widow of the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, as editor-in-chief of the merged company’s news networks, which include NBC News and CNN.

In his latest column, Greenfield argues that this bold move could help Comcast’s CEO, Brian Roberts, win Trump’s approval, thereby easing the regulatory pathway for the acquisition. The proposal has sparked considerable discussion, especially in light of the current competitive landscape, where Paramount Skydance has made aggressive bids for WBD. According to media editor Max Tani from Semafor, Greenfield’s column highlights a crucial strategy: “Prominent Media analyst Rich Greenfield argues that to get regulatory approval from the Trump administration in a WBD acquisition, Comcast should bring in TPUSA’s Erika Kirk to serve as the editor-in-chief of a combined CNN/NBC News.”

The backdrop of this proposal includes the context of increasing competition for WBD, particularly from David Ellison, who has made multiple offers to purchase the company. Ellison’s connection to Trump is notable; his father, Larry Ellison, is a close ally of the former president. This relationship could be pivotal, as a senior Trump administration official recently stated, “The Warner board needs to think very seriously not just on the price competition but which player in the suitor pool has been successful getting a deal done.”

Comcast’s potential acquisition faces significant scrutiny due to antitrust concerns. To navigate this, Greenfield suggests that Roberts might consider a strategy similar to Ellison’s, which could include divesting some of Comcast’s television assets. This would mean relinquishing his supervoting power over NBCUniversal, reducing his voting influence from 33.3% to under 1%. Greenfield posits that this move could alleviate Trump’s concerns over Roberts’ control of NBC and MSNBC.

The implications of such a merger would be substantial. Combining NBC, MSNBC, and CNN under one umbrella could shift the narrative surrounding perceived biases in these networks. Greenfield draws parallels to how Ellison has made changes at CBS News since his acquisition of Paramount, including appointing Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief. He suggests that Erika Kirk could serve a similar role, leading the editorial direction of the new conglomerate.

In addition to the editorial leadership, Greenfield proposes that Comcast could introduce a “conservative ombudsman” to monitor the channels, mirroring Ellison’s recent decision to hire Kenneth Weinstein, a former Trump appointee, for CBS News. This could further signal to the Trump administration that Comcast is serious about addressing concerns regarding bias in its news coverage.

Greenfield also emphasizes that Comcast has already begun making overtures to the Trump administration, citing a significant donation to the renovation of the White House Ballroom. This move has reportedly unsettled some staff at NBC and MSNBC, who are wary of the implications for journalistic integrity.

As discussions continue about the future of media ownership and the potential merger of Comcast and WBD, the landscape remains fraught with complexity. Greenfield’s proposal, while unconventional, underscores the intricate dance between media, politics, and business in the current environment. Ultimately, the approval process for any merger will hinge not only on financial considerations but also on the political alliances that shape the media landscape.