Elon Musk Buying MSNBC: Elon Musk, known for his acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, has hinted at buying the US media network MSNBC. The speculation began when Donald Trump Jr. suggested the idea on social media, and Musk’s witty response added fuel to the fire.
The Exchange That Sparked the Rumors
The conversation started with a post suggesting Comcast, MSNBC’s parent company, might sell the cable network. Donald Trump Jr. tagged Musk, saying, “Hey Elon Musk, I have the funniest idea ever!!!” Musk replied, “How much does it cost?”
The phrase referenced Musk’s similar response before his purchase of X. He later added, “The most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is most likely,” accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Popular podcast host Joe Rogan joined the discussion, prompting Musk to joke, “Maybe I should show up there with a sink,” referencing his viral “let that sink in” moment during his X takeover.
Comcast’s Restructuring and MSNBC’s Ratings
Amidst the chatter, Comcast announced plans to spin off MSNBC and other networks like CNBC, USA, and Oxygen into a publicly traded company. The move aims to focus more on NBC and Bravo.
Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts explained, “When you look at our assets, talented management team, and balance sheet strength, we are able to set these businesses up for future growth.”
MSNBC has faced declining ratings, particularly after Donald Trump’s election win. Reports indicate the channel’s ratings fell further after Morning Joe co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago to start a dialogue.
How Musk Changed X
Elon Musk’s $44 billion purchase of X in 2022 significantly altered the platform. Initially, Musk reduced X’s staff by nearly 80% and reinstated Donald Trump’s account. These changes attracted right-wing voices to what was once a left-leaning platform.
Although advertisers initially abandoned X, most returned after Trump’s re-election. Musk framed these changes as part of his battle for “free speech.”
Musk, Trump, and Media Criticism
Donald Trump has consistently criticized left-leaning media, including MSNBC. During his campaign, he accused CBS News of heavily editing a 60 Minutes interview featuring Vice President Kamala Harris.
Musk’s playful suggestion of buying MSNBC aligns with his growing influence in the media landscape. Whether his comments were serious or just lighthearted, they have certainly sparked debate about the future of media ownership.
