In a move that has surprised media pundits and sent Twitter into a frenzy, Elon Musk is reportedly considering buying ABC, with a clear mission: “to get things straight.” And, in typical fashion for him, his first order of business would be to fire veteran ABC anchor David Muir, the face of World News Tonight. The move reportedly stems from Muir’s role in the contentious presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, during which 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 people close to him in a private conversation. “David Muir is just the beginning. ABC needs a reboot and I’m 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. Musk, known for his bold and unpredictable moves (from launching rockets with SpaceX to acquiring and redesigning Twitter/X), could mark a sea change in the world of traditional media.
The seeds of this potential purchase 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, immediately became a flashpoint of controversy, largely because of the way the moderators handled Trump’s responses.
Throughout the debate, Muir repeatedly fact-checked Trump, questioning his statements on topics ranging from immigration to the economy. Harris, meanwhile, appeared to move through the debate with minimal interruptions, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by Trump supporters, including Musk.
“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 from the other team.”
For Musk, the debate represented everything that is wrong with modern journalism: biased reporting, partisan moderation, and a complete disregard for balanced coverage. And while his criticism of Muir may have started as a post-debate rant, it quickly escalated into a full-blown campaign to take over one of America’s largest news networks.
If there’s one thing Musk is known for, it’s his ability to disrupt industries. Whether it’s electric cars, space travel, or social media, Musk has a knack for taking established systems and turning them on their head. Now, it seems his focus has shifted to the media industry, where he believes his unique innovation is much needed.
“ABC is stuck in the past,” Musk reportedly told friends. “The way they cover the news, the way they moderate the debates, it’s all outdated. People don’t trust the media anymore, and for good reason. It’s time to change that.”
So what would Musk’s ABC look like? Sources close to the billionaire say he envisions a media platform that combines traditional journalism with cutting-edge technology. Think AI-powered news anchors, real-time fact-checking powered by algorithms, and live interaction with viewers during broadcasts via Twitter/X.
But Elon Musk’s vision for ABC doesn’t stop there. According to insiders, he also plans to integrate SpaceX and Tesla content into the network’s programming, giving viewers behind-the-scenes access to rocket launches, electric vehicle innovations, and perhaps even live updates on Musk’s latest plans to colonize Mars.
“I want to bring news to the future,” Musk said. “Imagine watching the news and getting updates from space at the same time. That’s where we’re going.”
At the center of Elon Musk’s media ambitions, of course, is the firing of David Muir, a longtime ABC News regular. To many viewers, Muir is synonymous with credibility and professionalism, but to Musk, he represents everything that is wrong with traditional media.
“Muir is a dinosaur,” Musk said in a private meeting. “He’s been doing the same thing for years and people are getting tired of it. The future of news is not some guy in a suit reading off a teleprompter. It’s dynamic, interactive and, most importantly, fair.”
Muir has not publicly addressed the rumors about Musk’s possible buyout or the possibility of being ousted from his position. However, people close to the host say he is taking the news in stride, knowing full well that Musk’s plans are far from a done deal.
“David has been in this business a long time,” an ABC insider said. “He knows how to handle pressure and he’s not going to let a billionaire tech mogul fire him without a fight.”
Still, the prospect of Musk buying ABC and firing Muir has sent shockwaves through the network. Some staffers worry about what Musk’s acquisition might mean for journalistic integrity, while others are excited by the prospect of working for someone as innovative (and unpredictable) as Musk.
As news of Musk’s possible purchase of ABC spread, public reaction was predictably divided. Musk’s supporters, particularly those who share his disdain for traditional media, hailed the move as a long-awaited overhaul of a broken system.
“Finally someone is going to face the media!” tweeted one Musk fan. “David Muir has been inactive for too long.” “It’s time for someone to make a real change, and Musk is the right man to do it.”
On the other hand, critics of Musk’s plan say that his acquisition of a major news network could be a disaster for journalism. With Musk’s well-documented tendency to confront journalists and control the narrative on Twitter/X, some worry that ABC, under Musk’s leadership, could become more of a propaganda machine than a reliable source of information.
“Does Elon Musk own a news network?” “What could possibly go wrong?” one reporter sarcastically commented. “This is a man who blocks reporters who ask tough questions. Imagine what he’ll do if he runs ABC.”
While Musk’s plans to buy ABC and fire David Muir are still rumors, there’s no denying that the prospect has captured the public’s imagination. Will Musk follow through on his threat to take over the network, or is this just another case of the billionaire drawing attention to a hornet’s nest?
Only time will tell, but if Musk’s track record is any indication, we can expect plenty of surprises along the way. After all, this is the man who disrupted Twitter/X, revolutionized the automobile industry, and put humans on the path to Mars. If anyone can make ABC the future of media, it’s probably Musk.
But for now, ABC employees, including David Muir, are wondering whether they will be working for the world’s richest man in the near future and what that might mean for the future of journalism.