Elon Musk, tech-titan and notable online figure, is making the rounds in the conservative digital sphere with an intriguing proposition about acquiring media conglomerate MSNBC. Donald Trump Jr., chipping into the ongoing conversation, tagged Musk in a recent post which playfully hinted at the potential acquisition of the media outlet. This discussion was triggered by Comcast’s recent decision revolving around the divestiture of select NBCUniversal cable TV networks, including MSNBC, into a new publicly traded entity.
Echoing Trump Jr’s sentiments, Musk responded by wondering aloud about the cost of this theoretical purchase. He then stirred the pot further with another lighthearted post which humorously pictured him as the new owner of MSNBC. As things stand, however, there’s no indication that MSNBC is on the auction block as an individual entity.
Rather than being carved out for sale, the media outlet is part of a broader portfolio consisting of not just MSNBC but also CNBC, E!, the Golf Channel and several others. These properties are set to become components of a new entity, which will be spun off tax-free. The new entity, fondly referred to as ‘SpinCo’, doesn’t represent a change of ownership though. Instead, Comcast’s Chair and CEO Brian Roberts will maintain his economic and voting interests in the business in their current proportions.
Notably, MSNBC has traditionally been seen as a news platform with a liberal bias, while Musk aligns more closely with the conservative camp. An alliance with Trump underscores Musk’s political leanings and these online interactions only further reinforce his stance.
Picking up the comedic rapport, Musk retweeted the conversation with Trump Jr. and added his own commentary: ‘the most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is the most likely,’ complete with a cry-laughing emoji to illustrate his amusement.
Joe Rogan, a famous podcast host, decided to join the chuckle-fest. He expressed his aspirations if Musk does proceed with the hypothetical MSNBC acquisition. ‘If you buy MSNBC, I would be interested in taking up Rachael Maddow’s role,’ replied Rogan, adding a touch of humor to the already playful exchange.
Delving into Musk’s history, it’s worth noting that when he acquired Twitter, he reversed a ban on Trump which was instituted following the U.S. Capitol turmoil on January 6, 2021. This move significantly entrenched Musk’s favorability among Republicans and brought an uptick in the platform’s popularity within that demographic.
Following the contentious elections, there was a wave of celebrities declaring their departure from Twitter. This came in hand-in-hand with the growing popularity of alterative social media platforms, such as Bluesky, which experienced a significant surge in their user bases.
While at this point, Musk’s theorized purchase of MSNBC remains a playful speculation, it comes against the backdrop of increasingly controversial media ownerships. Traditional media, too, has been evolving into more polarized entities, reflecting an increasingly segmented society.
It remains to be seen if and how these speculative online interactions, wherein digital giants are conceptualizing radical shifts in media ownership, manifest into reality. What’s clear though is the undeniable power these tech behemoths wield, setting the stage for intriguing future possibilities.
In summary, while the potential sale and acquisition of media outlets form the larger dialogue, driven notably by Comcast’s recent ‘SpinCo’ announcement, the role of influential tech personalities such as Musk can’t be overlooked. Their ability to create buzz around notions, even as seemingly whimsical as buying MSNBC, speaks volumes about their overarching digital influence.
This goes beyond the idea of conservative online personalities such as Musk or Trump Jr. reshaping media landscapes through acquisitions. It delves into how they shape narratives using their platform’s reach, stirring thought-provoking discussions that have material impacts.
The ongoing saga of Musk’s theoretical MSNBC acquisition is testament to how new media forms embolden influential personalities, enabling them to keep the collective consciousness engaged with not just technology or politics, but a playful crossover of both.
Elon Musk Teases MSNBC Acquisition in Online Banter appeared first on Real News Now.
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