Nielsen ratings reports

Elon Musk Considers Buying MSNBC as Rachel Maddow Accepts $5M Pay Cut Amid Ratings Decline

Nov 24, 2024, 01:55 PM

Elon Musk has fueled speculation about a potential acquisition of MSNBC, following a series of online interactions and memes suggesting interest in the liberal-leaning cable news network. The speculation intensified as MSNBC's ratings continue to decline, leading to reports that anchor Rachel Maddow has agreed to a $5 million pay cut, reducing her annual salary from $30 million to $25 million. This pay cut reduces her per-episode earnings from $600,000 to $500,000, as she hosts approximately one show per week. Comcast Corp., the parent company of MSNBC, is reportedly contemplating options for the network amid uncertainty, including potentially bundling assets into a new entity dubbed "SpinCo." Prominent figures, including Joe Rogan and Donald Trump Jr., have engaged in the conversation, with Rogan humorously offering to take over Maddow's role should Musk proceed with a purchase. Alex Jones also commented on the situation, suggesting a merger between MSNBC and Infowars. The discourse reflects broader challenges faced by traditional media outlets in retaining audiences as alternative platforms gain traction.