Is Elon Musk Really Buying MSNBC? Here is everything you need to know

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Disclaimer: The article may include the author's opinions.

When Twitter was increasingly perceived by some as overly progressive, Elon Musk intervened, acquiring the company and redirecting its trajectory. Now, reports have surfaced that MSNBC might be up for sale, prompting speculation that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO could again reshape another media landscape.

The conversation gained momentum when Wall Street Mav posted on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting that MSNBC was likely being put on the market. The post claimed that Comcast was planning to sell MSNBC, alongside news of CNN’s impending layoffs, and speculated that a business model based on constant misinformation was proving unsustainable.

Donald Trump Jr. amplified the post, humorously tagging Musk and suggesting he had an amusing idea. Musk’s brief reply sparked widespread online chatter, prompting responses from several prominent figures, including podcaster Joe Rogan. Many of these individuals expressed their interest in Rachel Maddow’s position at MSNBC, should a sale occur.

Trump Jr. reportedly added his opinion, stating that the network’s value was likely minimal due to its ratings. Rogan humorously remarked that if Musk were to purchase MSNBC, he would gladly take over Maddow’s role, mimicking her appearance and style while delivering content. Conservative commentator Michael Knowles joked about knowing someone who could replace Maddow, while entrepreneur Mario Nawfal speculated on the network’s potential price and suggested firing Maddow as a cost-saving measure.

Podcaster Tim Pool proposed an unconventional hosting arrangement, involving hiring clowns for news delivery, while Kari Lake argued that MSNBC could be purchased inexpensively and rebuilt into a dominant media outlet.

The speculation reached MSNBC’s own “Morning Joe” program, where hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough addressed the rumors. A recent Wall Street Journal report indicated that Comcast was contemplating spinning off its NBCUniversal cable networks, including MSNBC, CNBC, USA, Oxygen, E!, Syfy, and Golf Channel. Sources familiar with the situation noted that these assets, which generated approximately $7 billion in revenue over the past year, were no longer considered central to Comcast’s operations.

During the segment, Brzezinski straightforwardly shared the news, while Scarborough attempted to inject humor, referencing headlines from the Drudge Report. Scarborough jokingly remarked that he and his colleagues could potentially lose their jobs within a year, with Brzezinski lightheartedly adding that the changes could come as soon as the next day, though her laughter seemed somewhat uneasy, reflecting underlying concerns about the network’s uncertain future.