Trump ally Jeff Bezos eyes liberal network in potential bombshell deal that could transform cable news
The deal could transform cable news as the world's fourth richest man continues to cozy up to President Donald Trump.
Bezos already owns left-leaning The Washington Post a nd is the founder of Amazon, but according to the New York Post, he believes CNBC could be a good 'neutral voice' to add to his empire.
The business and financial news channel would 'align well with his interests,' a source closes to Bezos told the publication.
Trump often took issue with Bezos over his ownership of The Washington Post during his first term, but the relationship has softened in the second Trump administration.
Bezos joined a host of tech CEOs on stage with Trump at his inauguration and last week enjoyed an hour-long private meeting with the president at the White House.
Comcast is planning to split off its cable assets, which includes CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network and E!, by the end of the year.
CNBC will be folded into publicly traded company Versant, led by Chief Executive Mark Lazarus and a team of NBCUniversal executives.
But sources close to Comcast and Versant have cast doubt over whispers of Bezos' interest in purchasing the network.
One source said Bezos has not approached executives regarding his supposed interest.
Another said Versant has big plans to grow CNBC, and is not interested in selling the asset.
The publication stated Versant has a two year window in which it cannot sell major assets - including CNBC - without major tax implications.
It is unlikely the company would be willing to jeopardize the tax-free status of the spinoff, no matter how much Bezos would be willing to pay, one source said.
Bezos is the fourth richest person in the world, with a net worth of around $241billion, according to Forbes.
He recently married Lauren Sanchez in an elaborate, celebrity-filled celebration in Italy, sparking fury among locals.
Their $50million wedding had a star-studded guest list with many A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey, Orlando Bloom, Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance.
The happy couple got married in a restored amphitheater on the island, as Sánchez wore a high-neck, long sleeve lace Dolce & Gabbana gown that took over 900 hours to make, per Vogue.
The gown featured a flared skirt, long veil, and a tight-fitting waist, with tons of buttons going up the middle.
'Very Lauren. Sexy, happy, not too serious, not too drama. Elegant but at the same time sensual,' Domenico Dolce told the outlet about the bride's dress.
The pair were seen having a romantic date night in St Tropez, France, on Wednesday.
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