Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, has sparked speculation that he might purchase MSNBC following the network’s plummeting ratings and internal controversies in the wake of Donald Trump’s reelection as president in 2024.
MSNBC has faced sharp declines in viewership since Trump’s stunning victory, with many disillusioned viewers expressing frustration at the network’s false optimism about the election.
Others appear to be disengaging from politics altogether. Compounding these challenges is the fallout from a recent controversy involving Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.
The pair revealed they had met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort and would adopt a “new approach” to covering his second term.
The situation has reportedly left MSNBC’s parent company, Comcast, considering a sale to cut its losses. This has led to speculation that Musk, whose fortune has soared due to Tesla’s stock performance since Trump’s win, might step in as a buyer to reshape the troubled network.
The possibility gained traction after The Babylon Bee, a conservative satirical news site, published an article jokingly titled “Musk Announces Plan To Buy MSNBC And Turn It Into A News Network.”
While the piece was intended as humor, Musk seemed intrigued, sharing the article on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “Crazy idea, but it just might work!”
Crazy idea, but it just might work! 😂 https://t.co/t5fMwhs0jj
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 23, 2024
On Friday, Musk further fueled rumors by responding to a post from Donald Trump Jr., who humorously urged him to purchase the network. Musk replied, “How much does it cost?”
How much does it cost?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 22, 2024
This exchange has drawn comparisons to Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022. At the time, he casually inquired about Twitter’s price after expressing his fondness for the platform, leading to his eventual purchase.
The potential acquisition of MSNBC by Musk has ignited debate about its implications for media and journalism.
Some see an opportunity for Musk to overhaul the network, shifting it from its left-leaning stance to a more neutral or innovation-driven approach. Others, however, worry about the consequences of one individual wielding significant influence across multiple media platforms.
MSNBC’s struggles extend beyond ratings. Critics argue that its programming, which heavily relied on anti-Trump narratives, has left the network vulnerable in a political climate where Trump’s dominance continues.
Internal controversies, such as Scarborough and Brzezinski’s pivot toward Trump and tensions over coverage strategies, have added to its challenges.
Musk’s potential involvement, even as speculation, has energized conversations about the future of legacy media networks.
With a proven track record of reshaping industries—from electric vehicles to space exploration—Musk’s interest in a struggling media outlet could signal a new era for journalism.
Whether Musk follows through remains uncertain, but his casual inquiries have already sent ripples through the media landscape. As MSNBC grapples with its identity and future, the mere possibility of Musk’s ownership has sparked a mix of anticipation and apprehension among viewers, employees, and industry insiders alike.
