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Elon Musk, Joe Rogan Spark MSNBC Takeover Speculation

 November 25, 2024

Elon Musk’s playful musings about potentially buying MSNBC and Joe Rogan’s enthusiastic offer to replace Rachel Maddow are fueling lively discussions online about a potential shake-up in the world of cable news.

Musk jokingly floated the idea of acquiring MSNBC and transforming it into a conservative news outlet, while Joe Rogan chimed in with a humorous proposal to step into Rachel Maddow's role, spurring a sense of panic at the news network, as Fox News reports.

This buzz began after Comcast announced it would spin off MSNBC, among other NBCUniversal cable properties, as part of a larger restructuring plan.

The news opened the door to speculation about the network’s future, with Musk, CEO of X (formerly Twitter), teasing the possibility of purchasing the channel.

In a Friday post, Musk hinted at converting MSNBC into a platform for “citizen reporting” curated from top stories shared on X.

Joe Rogan's Playful Offer to Join MSNBC

Rogan, host of the popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience added fuel to the fire during the discussion. Rogan joked that if Musk went through with the acquisition, he would gladly take over Rachel Maddow's spot, even mimicking her trademark style.

"If you buy MSNBC," Rogan said, "I would like Rachel Maddow’s job. I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies." His comments, delivered in his signature sardonic tone, quickly gained attention online, adding humor to Musk's whimsical proposition.

Rachel Maddow's Declining Ratings Add Context

Rachel Maddow’s future at MSNBC has been under scrutiny in recent years. While she remains a prominent figure, her show has seen significant declines in viewership since Donald Trump left office. Ratings for The Rachel Maddow Show have dropped by 41% overall and by 50% in key demographics.

Despite these challenges, Maddow recently renewed her contract with MSNBC, signaling her commitment to the network amid ongoing changes.

Musk Engages with Idea in Online Discourse

Musk’s engagement with the idea extended over the weekend. On Friday, he wrote about potentially purchasing MSNBC, saying he would "fire Rachel Maddow for fun" and create a network focused on citizen journalism. His post was met with a mix of amusement and intrigue from his followers.

Over the following days, Musk continued to entertain the notion, sharing a meme on Sunday that jokingly alluded to his temptation to follow through. Fans and commentators joined in, with some encouraging Musk to make the move.

Conservative Voices Join the Conversation

Prominent conservative figures weighed in on the hypothetical scenario. Comedian Tim Young implored, “Please God make this happen,” while author Jim Hanson speculated about the impact such a move could have on the political left. “Can you imagine the freak-out level on the Left right now? They know Elon could do this on a whim,” Hanson said.

Even author Carol Roth expressed interest, suggesting a new panel show idea for Musk’s reimagined MSNBC. “I’d like to throw my hat in the ring for a panelist spot on The Normal View,” she remarked.

Comcast's Decision Paves Way for Speculation

Comcast’s decision to spin off MSNBC stems from a broader strategy to streamline its media holdings. The announcement, made on Wednesday, sparked widespread chatter about who might step in to reshape the network and what direction it could take.

Musk’s lighthearted tweets, however, are far from a concrete business move. While his history of unpredictable ventures adds intrigue to the situation, no formal steps toward acquiring MSNBC have been reported.

The Power of Musk's Social Media Influence

The viral nature of Musk’s comments underscores his influence in shaping online discourse. Known for his unconventional approach to business and communication, Musk has a track record of turning playful ideas into reality, though his MSNBC musings remain speculative at this stage.

Rogan’s tongue-in-cheek remarks and Musk’s continued engagement have kept the topic alive in both conservative and liberal circles. Whether seen as a joke or a potential plan, the interaction reflects the unpredictable nature of modern media landscapes.

As conversations swirl, the future of MSNBC -- and the potential for a Musk-led reinvention -- remains uncertain. For now, it’s a topic of lively debate and humor across social media.