Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk entertained a possible purchase of beleaguered leftist cable news outlet MSNBC as parent company Comcast considers repackaging and rebranding the network.
As news of a possible sale arose, President-elect Donald Trump’s son Donald Trump, Jr. nudged the X owner, saying, “Hey @elonmusk I have the funniest idea ever!!!”
How much does it cost?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 22, 2024
Interestingly, Musk inquired, “How much does it cost?” referencing a famous interaction with a Twitter user that culminated in his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, now known as X.
“I mean it can’t be much. Look at the ratings,” Don Jr. replied.
😂
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 22, 2024
In an update Friday afternoon, Musk remarked, “The most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is most likely.”
The most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is most likely 😂 https://t.co/YX2EznXfoF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 22, 2024
Job applications soon began rolling in, with some proposing Infowars host Alex Jones be given a key position.
Elon Musk should buy MSNBC and give it to Alex Jones.
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) November 22, 2024
I’ll take Jen Psaki’s job, since redheads all look the same, the old people might not notice.
— The Redheaded libertarian (@TRHLofficial) November 22, 2024
Can I put my hat in the ring to host Morning Joe please? https://t.co/izaBlldsAR
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) November 22, 2024
“If you buy MSNBC I would like Rachael Maddow’s job. I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies,” replied podcast host Joe Rogan.
If you buy MSNBC I would like Rachael Maddow’s job. I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) November 22, 2024
“Maybe I should show up there with a sink,” Musk later added.
Maybe I should show up there with a sink 😂
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 22, 2024
This week, Comcast revealed plans to spin-off CNBC and MSNBC onto a new network called SpinCo which would also feature USA, E!, Syfy, Oxygen, and the Golf Channel, after ratings tanked following Donald Trump’s election victory on Nov. 5.
While bundling the networks may seem more like a restructuring, CNN explains the mechanisms that may prompt a possible sale:
Comcast promises the new entity, for now known as SpinCo, will start with a growth trajectory and significant financial firepower. But there is already speculation it may need to bulk up to survive.
That could mean a sale to another entity or an acquisition. Either way, a future deal would likely require approval from the DOJ and other Trump regulators. (The FCC’s blessing may not be required because SpinCo won’t include the NBC broadcast network).