The tech mogul Elon Musk and podcast sensation Joe Rogan are stirring the pot with speculation that MSNBC, often seen as a bastion of left-wing propaganda, could undergo a dramatic transformation if it lands in their hands. Known for his knack for trolling and meme warfare, Musk recently dropped a playful yet provocative hint about buying the network, lighting up speculation across social media. With his characteristic flair, Musk posted a cheeky meme portraying MSNBC as a temptress and himself as a priest struggling to resist. The caption, “And lead us not into temptation,” set the tone for what could be an audacious move in the media landscape. It’s not every day that a billionaire openly flirts with the idea of acquiring a network infamous for peddling what critics deride as “Fake News.”
Joe Rogan, the unapologetically candid host of The Joe Rogan Experience, wasted no time jumping on the bandwagon. Rogan cheekily staked a claim for MSNBC’s prized slot, The Rachel Maddow Show, which has long served as a megaphone for progressive narratives, including the now-debunked Trump-Russia conspiracy theory. Rogan didn’t just stop at expressing interest; he upped the ante with a tongue-in-cheek promise to mimic Maddow’s signature style—complete with her glasses and penchant for over-the-top claims. “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,” he quipped, capturing the frustration of many conservatives who see Maddow’s broadcasts as emblematic of media bias.
The rumors of a potential sale stem from reports that Comcast, MSNBC’s parent company, is eyeing a pivot away from cable TV to focus on broadband. This has added fuel to the fire, with Musk cryptically noting, “The most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is most likely.” For a man who thrives on unpredictable moves and shaking up industries, taking control of MSNBC might just be the perfect way for Musk to troll his critics while advancing his vision of “free speech absolutism.”
Meanwhile, Maddow’s camp doesn’t seem amused. Despite her ratings being in a freefall, Maddow recently inked a new contract reportedly worth $25 million annually—though it came with a $5 million pay cut. Her show has hemorrhaged viewers, losing 41% of its audience overall and an eye-popping 50% in the coveted 25-54 demographic. A viral video posted by Alex Lorusso, executive producer for Benny Johnson, captured Maddow appearing visibly distressed at the mere thought of Musk potentially acquiring the network. The clip, sarcastically titled “Elon Musk Posts Dangerous Meme,” encapsulates the Left’s growing unease with the possibility of their media stronghold being turned on its head.
Should Musk and Rogan team up to take over MSNBC, it would mark a seismic shift in the media world. The network has long been a mouthpiece for liberal elites, but under Musk’s watchful eye and Rogan’s irreverent style, it might become something unrecognizable. For conservatives who’ve grown weary of being labeled by mainstream outlets as conspiracy theorists or worse, the thought of Musk and Rogan steering the ship is nothing short of delicious irony. While the idea may seem far-fetched, it’s hard to dismiss outright when the richest man on Earth and the world’s most popular podcaster are both clearly enjoying the fantasy.
