Elon Musk has sparked speculation about acquiring MSNBC, the left-leaning news channel owned by Comcast.
His recent comment on X (formerly Twitter), where he asked “How much does it cost?” in response to a post suggesting he buy the network, has fueled the chatter.
However, buying MSNBC would be a complex endeavor, and Comcast has stated it isn’t for sale.
Musk’s potential interest in MSNBC comes amid shifting dynamics in the media industry, with Comcast planning to spin off its NBCUniversal cable networks, including MSNBC, into a new company.
The situation raises questions about Musk’s intentions and the feasibility of such an acquisition.
MSNBC isn’t for sale
Comcast has clarified that it has no intention of selling MSNBC or other assets in its planned spinoff.
Instead, the new company, which will include channels like CNBC, USA, Syfy, and E!, aims to strengthen its position by exploring acquisitions of additional networks.
“We are looking forward to the planned spin of our cable networks, which will create a new company owned by our shareholders—none of these assets are for sale,” a Comcast spokeswoman said in a statement.
The spinoff process is expected to take about a year, during which MSNBC will play a critical role in negotiating distribution deals with partners like Charter Communications.
According to analysts, this strategic value makes the channel unlikely to be sold off individually.
Musk faces unique challenges
Musk’s acquisition of MSNBC would be far more complicated than his 2022 purchase of X, which he acquired for $44 billion.
Unlike X, where Musk was the largest shareholder, MSNBC’s ownership and governance are tied to Comcast and its planned spinoff company.
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts holds a one-third voting stake in the company, giving him significant influence over any potential sale.
Further complicating matters are the tax implications of the spinoff. Analysts have noted that the tax-free nature of the transaction limits flexibility for follow-on deals, such as piecemeal sales of assets like MSNBC.
“The tax implications are unclear if then the [spinoff company] goes selling things off piecemeal,” said Joseph Bonner, senior analyst at Argus Research.
MSNBC’s shifting landscape
MSNBC has seen declining ratings since Donald Trump’s presidential victory. From November 6 through November 21, the network averaged 527,000 viewers—a 38% drop from its pre-election average of 847,000.
The network’s left-leaning programming and personalities, such as Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid, have been adjusting to the changing political climate.
Recently, co-hosts of “Morning Joe,” Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, faced backlash after revealing a meeting with President-elect Trump.
The move drew criticism from both political sides, reflecting the complex environment MSNBC operates within.
Musk, a vocal critic of mainstream media and MSNBC specifically, could view the network as an opportunity to reshape media narratives.
However, the financial viability of acquiring a traditional cable network in an era dominated by streaming platforms remains uncertain.
Political motivations and implications
Musk’s allies, including Donald Trump Jr. and Joe Rogan, have encouraged him to pursue MSNBC.
This aligns with a broader trend of politicization within the media industry, where ownership and control of outlets increasingly intersect with political agendas.
Craig Moffett, co-founder of MoffettNathanson, highlighted this shift: “Media assets themselves have always had sort of political positioning, but now the business of media is getting just as deeply politicized.”
Musk’s potential acquisition of MSNBC could symbolize a broader effort to influence political discourse.
His stated goal during the X acquisition was to create a “common digital town square” for diverse debates, a vision he may seek to extend to traditional media.
Can Musk buy MSNBC?
While Musk’s financial resources and track record suggest he could make a bid for MSNBC, the channel’s strategic importance to Comcast’s spinoff makes an acquisition unlikely.
Analysts have noted that Comcast’s willingness to sell assets like MSNBC would depend on an extraordinarily high offer.
“Maybe if the price is right, they would do it,” said Bonner.
For now, Musk’s interest in MSNBC appears speculative, serving more to highlight his ongoing critique of traditional media than signaling a concrete plan.
Whether he pursues this further remains to be seen, but any move would face significant hurdles.
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