In a move that has shocked media insiders and sent Twitter into a frenzy, Elon Musk is reportedly considering buying ABC, with one clear mission: to set things straight. And in typical Musk fashion, his first order of business would be firing longtime ABC anchor David Muir, the face of World News Tonight. The decision, it seems, stems from Muirs role in the controversial presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, where Musk claims Muir crossed the line with his moderation tactics.
ABC is broken. Journalism is broken. And who better to fix it than me? Musk reportedly told close associates in a private conversation. David Muir is just the beginning. ABC needs a reboot, and Im ready to hit the reset button.
The news, while not officially confirmed by Musk, has already sparked waves of speculation about what the billionaire would do with a major news network under his control. Known for his bold, unpredictable movesfrom launching rockets with SpaceX to acquiring and overhauling Twitter/XMusks latest plan could signal a dramatic shift in the world of mainstream media.
The seeds of this potential buyout were sown during the recent presidential debate, moderated by Muir and his ABC colleague Linsey Davis. The debate, which featured heated exchanges between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, became an instant flashpoint for controversyprimarily due to the moderators handling of Trumps responses.
Throughout the debate, Muir fact-checked Trump several times, challenging his statements on topics ranging from immigration to the economy. Meanwhile, Harris appeared to glide through the debate with minimal interruptions, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Trumps supporters, Musk among them.
The moderators were completely one-sided, Musk tweeted after the debate. It was like watching a rigged game, and David Muir was the referee who had money on the other team.
For Musk, the debate represented everything thats wrong with modern journalism: biased reporting, partisan moderation, and a complete disregard for balanced coverage. And while his critique of Muir may have started as a post-debate rant, it has quickly snowballed into a full-blown campaign to take control of one of the biggest news networks in America.
If theres one thing Musk is known for, its his ability to disrupt industries. Whether its electric cars, space travel, or social media, Musk has a knack for taking established systems and turning them on their heads. Now, it seems, his attention has shifted to the media industry, where he believes his unique brand of innovation is sorely needed.
ABC is stuck in the past, Musk reportedly told friends. The way they cover news, the way they moderate debatesits all outdated. People dont trust the media anymore, and for good reason. Its time to change that.
So, what would Musks ABC look like? Sources close to the billionaire say he envisions a media platform that blends traditional journalism with cutting-edge technology. Think AI-driven news anchors, real-time fact-checking powered by algorithms, and live viewer interaction during broadcasts via Twitter/X.
But Musks vision for ABC doesnt stop there. According to insiders, hes also toying with the idea of integrating SpaceX and Tesla content into the networks programming, giving viewers behind-the-scenes access to rocket launches, electric vehicle innovations, and perhaps even live updates on Musks latest plans to colonize Mars.
I want to bring news into the future, Musk said. Imagine tuning in to watch the news and getting updates from space at the same time. Thats where were headed.
At the center of Musks media ambitions, of course, is the firing of David Muir, a fixture of ABC News for years. For many viewers, Muir is synonymous with credibility and professionalism, but for Musk, he represents everything thats wrong with the mainstream media.
Muirs a dinosaur, Musk reportedly said in a private meeting. Hes been doing the same thing for years, and people are bored of it. The future of news isnt some guy in a suit reading off a teleprompter. Its dynamic, interactive, and, most importantly, fair.
Muir has not publicly responded to the rumors of Musks potential buyout or the possibility of being ousted from his position. However, those close to the anchor say hes taking the news in stride, knowing full well that Musks plans are far from a done deal.
Davids been in this business a long time, said one ABC insider. He knows how to handle pressure, and hes not about to let some billionaire tech mogul push him out without a fight.
Still, the prospect of Musk buying ABCand firing Muirhas sent shockwaves through the network. Some staffers are reportedly concerned about what Musks takeover could mean for journalistic integrity, while others are excited about the possibility of working for someone as innovative (and unpredictable) as Musk.
As news of Musks potential ABC buyout spread, reactions from the public have been predictably divided. Supporters of Musk, particularly those who share his disdain for mainstream media, have hailed the move as a long-overdue shakeup of a broken system.
Finally, someone is going to take on the media! one Musk fan tweeted. David Muirs been coasting for too long. Its time for someone to bring real change, and Musk is the guy to do it.
Elon Musk owning a news network? What could possibly go wrong? one journalist sarcastically commented. This is a man who blocks reporters for asking tough questions. Imagine what hell do if he runs ABC.
While Musks plans to buy ABC and fire David Muir are still in the rumor stage, theres no denying that the prospect has captured the publics imagination. Will Musk follow through on his threat to take control of the network, or is this just another case of the billionaire stirring the pot for attention?
Only time will tell, but if Musks track record is any indication, we can expect plenty of surprises along the way. After all, this is the man who turned Twitter/X upside down, revolutionized the auto industry, and put humans on the path to Mars. If anyone can turn ABC into the future of media, its probably Musk.
For now, though, ABC staffers, including David Muir, are left wondering whether theyll be working for the worlds richest man in the near futureand what that might mean for the future of journalism.