Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and outspoken critic of the mainstream media, has long had a contentious relationship with MSNBC, which he has called “the utter scum of the Earth” and accused of “peddling puerile propaganda.” Just days ago, he declared, “MSNBC is going down.” Now, Musk is taking it a step further, posting memes about purchasing the channel.
While many view these posts as a joke, they’ve sparked widespread speculation and anxiety among MSNBC staff. Musk’s comments are adding to concerns within the network, especially in light of Donald Trump’s potential reelection and the recent announcement of Comcast’s plan to spin off its cable channels.
In an effort to get to the bottom of the situation, CNN reached out to various sources over the weekend to get a sense of what might be happening behind the scenes. What they discovered is that Musk may not be the only billionaire with an interest in purchasing MSNBC. In fact, several wealthy figures with liberal leanings have reportedly reached out to MSNBC’s executives, signaling that opposition from figures like Musk — who famously bought Twitter with the goal of dismantling it — may not be the sole threat facing the cable network.
However, contrary to the rumors circulating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Comcast has not officially put MSNBC up for sale. If Comcast’s CEO, Brian Roberts, truly wanted to sell the channel, he could have done so already. Instead, Comcast is in the process of spinning off MSNBC and a number of other cable channels into a new entity called “SpinCo,” a pure-play cable programming company. This move is intended to give Comcast and SpinCo a boost by improving the financial prospects of both, as the channels in question remain profitable despite facing increased pressure in an ever-evolving media landscape.
The Uncertainty of MSNBC’s Future
While Comcast’s plan for SpinCo will take about a year to finalize, could an external buyer swoop in with an offer for MSNBC? The situation is complicated. SpinCo, as a tax-free spinoff, carries with it potential tax implications that could make an immediate sale problematic. According to Morgan Stanley analyst Benjamin Swinburne, a typical waiting period of two years is expected before any major strategic moves, including asset sales, are possible.
“Typically, we would expect a two-year waiting period before any potential further strategic action by the SpinCo to preserve the tax-free nature of the spin although we believe there are scenarios where industry consolidation including SpinCo could happen earlier,” Swinburne wrote in a note to investors. Morgan Stanley is a financial advisor to Comcast and has been closely tracking these developments.
Moreover, executives at SpinCo may decide that selling MSNBC is not in the best interest of shareholders. MSNBC has a loyal audience, which provides leverage in negotiations with cable distributors. In fact, sources involved in the spinoff have indicated that SpinCo’s strategy is to acquire new channels rather than sell off existing ones.
For now, selling MSNBC to gain favor with President-elect Trump is not part of the plan. In fact, sources at MSNBC seem to be optimistic about the spin-off, as it could lead to more investment in the channel, as well as its sister brands like CNBC. This could allow MSNBC to continue strengthening its position in an increasingly competitive news environment.
Musk’s Social Media Antics
Despite this, Musk’s recent social media posts shouldn’t be dismissed entirely. He is known for making bold moves and for using Twitter to signal his intentions. He famously used the platform to announce his interest in acquiring Twitter before ultimately doing so. In a similar vein, he recently tweeted about his potential interest in purchasing MSNBC. On Friday, Musk jokingly asked, “How much does it cost?” in response to a meme posted by Donald Trump Jr. that falsely claimed MSNBC was up for sale. Trump Jr. also wrote, “Hey @elonmusk, I have the funniest idea ever!!!”
The meme quickly gained traction, with podcaster Joe Rogan chiming in to say that if Musk did buy MSNBC, he would like to take over Rachel Maddow’s job. Rogan quipped, “I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies.” The idea was met with enthusiasm from Musk’s followers, and the topic continued to be discussed throughout the weekend, with Musk even sharing homophobic memes that equated Maddow with businessman Mark Cuban.
By Sunday, Trump Jr. tweeted, “I think I started something here. The amount of people that want this to happen is incredible!!!!” Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz responded with, “I 100 percent want this to happen.” While the mockery appears to be the point of the entire exchange, it has certainly generated considerable attention, adding another layer of uncertainty to the already unpredictable future of MSNBC.
What’s Next for MSNBC?
As the speculation continues to swirl, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve. Comcast’s decision to spin off MSNBC into SpinCo means that the channel is not currently up for sale, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of a future acquisition. If SpinCo decides to sell MSNBC down the line, there could be multiple interested parties, both from the liberal and conservative sides of the political spectrum. Whether that means a sale to Musk or another billionaire remains uncertain.
For now, the future of MSNBC is tied to the success of the spin-off, and its executives are focused on positioning the channel for long-term growth. While the network faces challenges from all sides, it also has opportunities to continue evolving and expanding its influence, particularly in an era where the demand for reliable news is greater than ever.
As for Musk, his musings about buying MSNBC may simply be another of his viral stunts, or they could indicate a deeper interest in reshaping the media landscape once again. Whether or not he will make a formal bid remains to be seen, but the ongoing conversation serves as a reminder that the future of media — like so much else in Musk’s world — is anything but predictable.
