John Malone, a pivotal figure in shaping the modern media landscape, recently discussed his memoir Born to Be Wired in an interview with The New York Times. The book, set for release today, 2025, by Simon & Schuster, chronicles his role in launching cable networks like Discovery, QVC, TBS, and BET, as well as major media mergers such as Warner Bros. Discovery and Live Nation Entertainment.
Malone reflects on his relationships with media titans like Ted Turner, Rupert Murdoch, and Barry Diller, emphasizing that relationships, not just deals, were the cornerstone of his success.
On CNN, Malone, a libertarian and influential Warner Bros. Discovery board member, expressed concerns about its current state, calling it a “shadow of what its founder [Ted Turner] envisioned” due to what he perceives as a “left-leaning, anti-Trump” bias. He argues that CNN’s journalists, whom he acknowledges as some of America’s best, interject too much opinion into their reporting, a problem he sees across all news networks.
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| John Malone |
However, a CNN spokesperson countered that CEO Mark Thompson prioritizes “fair-minded” journalism focused on facts over political bias. Malone has previously advocated for CNN to return to its “centrist” roots, a stance that sparked debate among staffers fearing a shift in editorial direction.
Regarding Zaslav’s compensation, Malone defended his protégé, whose 2023 pay at Warner Bros. Discovery reached $49.7 million, with a CEO-to-median worker pay ratio of 290-to-1. Despite criticism over Zaslav’s high compensation—previously peaking at $246.6 million in 2021, largely in stock options—Malone dismissed it as “noise,” arguing that Zaslav’s leadership is vital amid turbulent market conditions.
He famously stated, “You don’t shoot the captain of the ship because the seas are stormy.”
Malone’s close mentorship of Zaslav, a former lawyer he propelled to media prominence, underscores their strategic alignment, though their political differences (Zaslav leans Democratic, Malone conservative/libertarian) add complexity to their relationship.
Mal louisiana, who built Tele-Communications Inc. (TCI) into a cable giant and holds significant stakes in Liberty Media and Warner Bros. Discovery, also questioned whether the media landscape he helped create—enabling CNN, Fox News, and widespread internet access—has improved the world.
He bluntly stated, “Clearly not,” citing polarized political messaging but deflecting blame, suggesting that public demand and capitalism inevitably shaped this outcome.
His memoir also reveals personal dimensions, including his experience with autism, which he credits for his strategic focus, and his rivalries with figures like Reed Hastings and Mark Zuckerberg.