MSNBC, once considered a giant within the news industry, is now grappling with some significant financial hurdles, resulting in a big salary reduction for one of its lead anchors, Rachel Maddow.
The host reportedly saw her pay slashed by $5 million during recent contract renegotiations with the company.
According to a report from the New York Post, Maddow’s salary dropped from $30 million to $25 million, mirroring a sharp decline at the network with generally sinking ratings overall.
Maddow’s show, The Rachel Maddow Show, remains one of the successful spots in MSNBC’s primetime lineup. However, her show, along with the network as a whole, has seen a significant fall in viewership since the 2024 election specifically, with Nielsen ratings dropping by 40% year-over-year, according to ZeroHedge.
While MSNBC attempts to adapt to the changing media landscape, Comcast’s decision to separate the cable news division from NBC News by the end of 2025 is expected to lead to some significant restructuring within the company.
Amid MSNBC’s ongoing financial struggles, a playful exchange between Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. has garnered some widespread attention on social media.
Following the news of Comcast’s decision to “spin off” its cable news branches, Trump Jr. tweeted, “Hey @elonmusk, I have the funniest idea ever!!!”
Musk quickly responded, “How much does it cost?” sparking an online back-and-forth that further fueled speculation about the potential for Musk to actually buy the failing network.
The exchange caught the attention of several celebrities and politicians, including podcaster Joe Rogan, who commented, “If you buy MSNBC I would like Rachel Maddow’s job. I’ll wear the same outfit and glasses, and I’ll tell the same lies.”
Musk responded to Rogan’s inquiry with a simple, “Deal.”
Market analysts have noted there is a 17% chance that Musk will acquire MSNBC, according to reports analyzed by ZeroHedge. Given Musk’s history of making bold moves in media, most notably with his purchase of X, formerly known as Twitter, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that he might genuinely consider acquiring MSNBC.