Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), sparked speculation of another high-profile acquisition when he inquired about the cost of MSNBC. This came in response to a comment by Donald Trump Jr., who humorously suggested buying the American news channel amid reports of its potential sale by parent company Comcast. Trump’s son described the idea as “the funniest ever,” to which Musk responded, “How much does it cost?”
The situation mirrors Musk’s Twitter acquisition saga, where a casual comment escalated into a $44 billion purchase, culminating in the platform’s privatization. Observers are now wondering if a similar narrative will unfold with MSNBC.
Comcast’s Strategy and MSNBC’s Challenges
Comcast, which owns MSNBC, is reportedly planning to restructure its portfolio by spinning off underperforming networks, including MSNBC, CNBC, and the Golf Channel. The company aims to focus on more successful ventures as cable TV ratings continue to decline. MSNBC, in particular, has faced significant viewership losses, partly attributed to controversial programming shifts, such as its changing stance toward Donald Trump during his presidency.
Reactions and Musk’s Banter
Podcaster Joe Rogan humorously weighed in, suggesting he’d like to take Rachel Maddow’s position if Musk acquires the channel, joking about adopting her style and delivery. Musk’s reply, “Deal!”, added fuel to the speculative fire.
Broader Implications
Interestingly, Musk, who is set to join Donald Trump’s Cabinet in the newly formed Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, might have a vested interest in reshaping media narratives. While it remains to be seen whether Musk will follow through on this idea, the parallels to his Twitter purchase keep the public intrigued. READ THIS- ISRO Focuses on Microgravity for Advancing Medical Research in India
This unfolding story highlights the ongoing convergence of media, technology, and politics, with figures like Musk at the intersection of these dynamics.