Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a prominent Donald Trump ally, has stirred speculation by posting memes about buying MSNBC. Known for his brash commentary, Musk has called the network “the utter scum of the Earth” and accused it of spreading “puerile propaganda.” While some dismiss his remarks as trolling, others within the media landscape are taking them more seriously, particularly as MSNBC faces shifts due to Comcast’s restructuring.
Comcast recently announced plans to spin off MSNBC and other cable channels into a new entity, “SpinCo,” to boost shareholder value. The spinoff, expected to take a year, aims to consolidate Comcast’s cable assets while maintaining strategic control. Analysts suggest a potential two-year waiting period before “SpinCo” could consider selling any assets, due to tax implications.
Despite no formal sale being announced, several liberal billionaires have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring MSNBC, offering reassurance to staff concerned about the network’s future under potential conservative ownership. Sources within Comcast emphasize that selling MSNBC to court political favor is not on the agenda. Instead, “SpinCo” plans to invest in its brands and leverage MSNBC’s loyal audience in negotiations with cable distributors.
Musk’s interest, however, cannot be entirely dismissed. His recent tweets echo his approach to Twitter, which he acquired after a cryptic tweet asking, “How much is it?” This time, Musk’s musings were sparked by a meme suggesting MSNBC was for sale, leading to a flurry of online reactions from figures like Donald Trump Jr. and Joe Rogan.
Critics warn that such moves could mirror “media capture,” as seen in Hungary under Viktor Orbán, where loyal billionaires helped consolidate pro-government media. Liberal voices caution against complacency, urging proactive measures to preserve independent journalism in the U.S.
For now, MSNBC’s future lies with “SpinCo,” and Musk’s musings remain speculative. But the discourse underscores the stakes in a politically polarized media landscape.