Elon Musk has long been known for his bold statements and playful antics on social media, but his recent comments about buying MSNBC have raised eyebrows across the media landscape. Musk, the world’s richest man and a key ally of former President Donald Trump, has consistently criticised MSNBC, calling it “the utter scum of the Earth” and accusing it of “peddling puerile propaganda.” Just days ago, he posted memes speculating about purchasing the liberal-leaning news network, adding fuel to the fire of speculation.
Many dismiss Musk’s antics as nothing more than a joke — after all, it’s hard to imagine the world’s most famous billionaire actually investing in a channel like MSNBC, right? Yet, this post has sparked significant chatter, particularly among MSNBC staffers, many of whom are already feeling anxious about the future of their network amid shifts in media and politics.
But Musk is not alone in his interest. According to sources, other billionaires, particularly those with liberal leanings, have quietly expressed interest in buying MSNBC too. This could be more than just idle chatter. Let’s dive deeper into what’s going on behind the scenes and what this potential media shake-up could mean for MSNBC and its viewers.
Why Is Elon Musk Interested in MSNBC?
Musk’s disdain for MSNBC is well documented. He’s mocked the network on Twitter (now X) and frequently engages with memes that criticise its programming and perceived liberal bias. Recently, Musk posted a tweet that included the question, “How much does it cost?” in response to a meme suggesting MSNBC was for sale. His comment sparked a wave of reactions from fellow conservatives, including Trump Jr. and other figures from Musk’s circles.
While this could very well be another one of Musk’s antics designed to stir up attention and provoke debate, his comments are not without context. Musk has made a name for himself by buying and disrupting major platforms like Twitter, and he’s been clear about his desire to create a platform for free speech—one that he believes could rival the traditional media landscape. Could MSNBC, as one of the biggest players in the liberal media sphere, be a target for Musk’s vision of media reform?
Is MSNBC Really for Sale?
Despite Musk’s provocative posts, Comcast, the parent company of MSNBC, has not officially put the network up for sale. However, the company has made significant moves that have prompted speculation. In 2024, Comcast announced it would be spinning off its cable networks, including MSNBC, into a separate entity known as SpinCo. The goal of this spin-off is to improve the financial performance of both Comcast and the newly-formed SpinCo, which will have more autonomy to grow its brand and possibly make acquisitions in the future.
As a result, the idea of selling MSNBC becomes more complicated. For one, there are tax implications involved in immediately selling off assets after a spin-off. According to Morgan Stanley analyst Benjamin Swinburne, such a sale would typically take two years to clear the required tax hurdles. Furthermore, executives involved with the creation of SpinCo have made it clear that they are not looking to sell; rather, they are looking to buy new channels and expand their portfolio.
So, while it’s not imminent, the future of MSNBC is now in the hands of SpinCo, and Musk’s interest might just be the tip of the iceberg. If someone were to make a bid, it would likely happen post-spin-off, when the assets are more clearly defined.
Who Else Is Interested in Buying MSNBC?
While Elon Musk’s name has been the most publicised in this context, he’s not the only one eyeing MSNBC. Sources have revealed that other billionaires with liberal leanings have already reached out to people at MSNBC to express interest in buying the network. This adds a layer of complexity to the situation — while Musk and his conservative allies might push for a media platform with a distinct right-wing bent, liberal-leaning billionaires could similarly seek to take control of MSNBC to maintain its political voice in the media landscape.
Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a frequent tech entrepreneur, has weighed in on the situation. Cuban, known for his outspoken views, said that he has no interest in purchasing MSNBC. In fact, Cuban believes the linear TV news model is on its way out and that creating platforms that aggregate audiences, like Bluesky, could be a more effective way to connect people to news.
Nevertheless, Cuban’s reluctance doesn’t mean that other liberal billionaires won’t seize the opportunity if it arises. If the media landscape continues shifting towards more consolidation, with fewer companies controlling larger swaths of the market, the question remains: who will ultimately control the news in America?
The Danger of Media Capture
While Musk’s posts and memes may seem like just another spectacle, there’s a more serious conversation happening beneath the surface. This conversation revolves around the concept of media capture. The term refers to the phenomenon where powerful entities—whether they be governments or wealthy individuals—gain control over the media to shape public opinion and political outcomes.
For example, in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been accused of consolidating media control by buying private television and radio stations. These outlets have then been transformed into pro-government channels. Some critics fear that we could see a similar scenario in the U.S., where wealthy individuals like Musk or his associates could gain control over mainstream news outlets, turning them into platforms that push their personal political agendas.
As Ian Bassin, the executive director of Protect Democracy, recently said, we may be heading into a period of “autocratic capture” in the U.S., where a small number of individuals hold significant sway over media narratives. This would have profound implications for democracy, public discourse, and the freedom of the press.
What Does This Mean for the Future of MSNBC?
In the end, the fate of MSNBC rests on the decisions of Comcast, SpinCo, and possibly future buyers. Whether it remains a liberal powerhouse or shifts towards a more politically diversified model remains to be seen. However, Musk’s playful posts about purchasing the network highlight a growing trend: the lines between media, politics, and corporate power are increasingly blurred.
Conclusion: Is MSNBC’s Future in the Hands of Billionaires?
Elon Musk’s musings about buying MSNBC may just be a meme, but they reveal a much deeper issue. As media giants continue to shift and consolidate, the influence of billionaires—whether conservative or liberal—on the future of news and public discourse is undeniable. Whether or not Musk will actually purchase the network remains to be seen, but this spectacle has drawn attention to the fragility of independent media in the face of corporate interests and political power.
