Musk’s Interest in MSNBC Sparks Speculation Amid Spin-Off Plans
Elon Musk, known for provocative statements, has recently turned his attention to MSNBC, calling it “the utter scum of the Earth” and accusing it of spreading “puerile propaganda.” Despite his critiques, Musk has sparked curiosity with posts jokingly suggesting he might buy the channel.
While Musk’s comments may seem like banter, they have fueled unease among MSNBC staffers, especially as the channel faces uncertainties tied to Donald Trump’s reelection bid and Comcast’s planned spin-off of its cable properties into a new entity, “SpinCo.” Sources suggest some liberal billionaires have expressed interest in acquiring MSNBC, offering a counterbalance to potential conservative buyers.
However, Comcast has not placed MSNBC up for sale. The spin-off, designed as a tax-free transaction, aims to create a more focused cable programming company. Industry analysts suggest that any sale would likely require a waiting period to avoid tax implications, with executives reportedly more interested in acquiring assets than selling them.
Musk’s history of acquiring Twitter after a similar casual inquiry fuels speculation about his intentions. His recent posts, amplified by figures like Donald Trump Jr. and Joe Rogan, have drawn attention, although they largely appear to mock MSNBC’s liberal stance.
This episode reflects concerns about “media capture,” a phenomenon where wealthy figures acquire media outlets to shape narratives. Some observers fear parallels to Hungary’s centralized media control under Viktor Orbán.
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