Recent discussions between Elon Musk and Joe Rogan have sparked a wave of speculation and amusement on social media.
According to Fox News, Elon Musk and Joe Rogan have humorously proposed significant changes to MSNBC following Comcast's announcement to potentially spin off the network.
Last Wednesday, Comcast revealed its plans to divest several NBCUniversal networks, including MSNBC. This announcement has raised questions about the future direction of the network, which has traditionally leaned towards liberal news coverage.
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for his ventures into space and electric cars, did not hesitate to entertain his followers by suggesting a possible purchase of MSNBC. On social media, Musk teased about transforming MSNBC to feature conservative reporting, radically shifting its editorial stance.
In response, Joe Rogan, a popular podcast host, expressed his eagerness to take over Rachel Maddow’s primetime slot. Rogan humorously proposed adopting Maddow's style and appearance. Elon Musk replied to Rogan's proposition with a simple, "Deal," fueling further speculation and enthusiasm among their followers.
Rachel Maddow, the long-time host of "The Rachel Maddow Show" on MSNBC, has experienced a significant decline in ratings since President-elect Donald Trump's victory. Her show has seen a 41% drop in viewership and a 50% decrease in adults aged 25-54, the key demographic for advertisers. Despite this, Maddow recently renewed her contract with the network.
Elon Musk's interest in MSNBC was not just a passing remark. He posted about his potential plans for the network, envisioning it as a platform for "citizen reporting on cable news," pulling the top stories directly from his social media platform X.
The online banter between Musk and Rogan elicited reactions ranging from support to bemusement. Comedian Tim Young and conservative author Jim Hanson expressed their excitement and curiosity about the potential media shakeup.
Joe Rogan's specific words were: "If you buy MSNBC I would like Rachel Maddow’s job. I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies."
Elon Musk shared his view on the matter, stating, "The most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is most likely."
The story has also attracted interest from other commentators wanting to jump on the revamped MSNBC bandwagon. Author Carol Roth humorously requested to be considered for a panelist spot on what she called ‘The Normal View,’ a play on the existing panel-based talk shows. Comedian Tim Young reacted by saying, "Please God make this happen," showcasing the entertainment value perceived in Musk and Rogan's exchange.
Despite the playful tone of the discussions, the potential acquisition of MSNBC by Elon Musk could signify a pivotal shift in the media landscape. If Musk follows through with his stated intentions, MSNBC might serve as a new kind of platform focused on citizen journalism and a conservative viewpoint, diverging sharply from its current alignment.
In summary, the conversation between Elon Musk and Joe Rogan has opened up discussions on the future of MSNBC's post-Comcast spinoff. With both figures hinting at drastic changes, the network could be headed for a significant editorial shift, sparking both excitement and apprehension about the future of cable news.
