Recent claims have been circulating on social media and some niche websites suggesting that Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of X (formerly Twitter), is planning to acquire the ABC television network and appoint former Fox News host Tucker Carlson as its CEO. The alleged objective of this acquisition is to combat what Musk reportedly sees as a pervasive “woke” culture in the media. While the story has sparked widespread discussion online, a closer look reveals a lack of credible evidence behind these claims.
The story appears to have originated from lesser-known and satirical sources. One of the earliest mentions comes from a social media post by the “SpaceX Fanclub” on October 18, 2024, claiming that Musk’s motivation for buying ABC is to “remove wokeness from the network.” Other speculative articles and posts have since amplified the claim, leading to debates about the credibility of the information.
It is essential to note that these sources are not affiliated with any reputable news organizations, and no official announcements have been made by Musk, ABC, or its parent company, The Walt Disney Company.
Elon Musk has frequently voiced his criticism of “woke” ideology, describing it as divisive and counterproductive. Since acquiring X, Musk has used the platform to challenge progressive social movements and advocate for what he calls “freedom of speech.” Some of his decisions, such as reinstating previously banned accounts and changing the platform’s moderation policies, have been seen as efforts to reduce the influence of what he perceives as “woke” censorship.
His public support for Tucker Carlson after Carlson’s departure from Fox News adds fuel to the speculation. Carlson has since launched a program on X, further solidifying the perception of a partnership between the two. However, there is no official confirmation that Musk plans to expand this collaboration into the television network space.
ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company, one of the largest and most influential media conglomerates globally. Disney has long emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values, which aligns with what critics often label as “woke culture.” For Musk to acquire ABC, he would need to negotiate with Disney and potentially face significant financial and regulatory hurdles.
Financial Challenges: The acquisition of a major network like ABC would likely cost tens of billions of dollars. While Musk’s net worth is substantial, his recent investments in ventures like X and SpaceX have already drawn scrutiny over financial sustainability.
Regulatory Hurdles: Any acquisition of this magnitude would require approval from U.S. regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The process could take years and face opposition from political and social advocacy groups.
The claim that Musk would name Tucker Carlson as ABC’s CEO is equally unsubstantiated. While Carlson is a polarizing figure with a significant following, there is no indication that he has the credentials or experience to lead a major television network. Moreover, Carlson has not publicly expressed any desire to take on such a role.
Musk and Carlson have maintained a professional relationship, particularly since Carlson’s move to X, where he launched his independent program. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest this partnership extends to an ABC leadership role.
The rumor has sparked a mixed reaction online:
Supporters: Many Musk and Carlson fans have celebrated the idea, arguing that it would bring balance to a media landscape they perceive as biased toward progressive viewpoints. One social media user wrote:
“Finally, someone taking a stand against the woke mob in the media.”
Critics: Others have criticized the idea as another example of Musk overextending his influence and exacerbating divisions in public discourse. A popular comment read:
“Buying a network to push a single agenda is the opposite of free speech.”
Neutral Observers: Some have called for a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need to rely on verified information before jumping to conclusions.
The widespread sharing of this story highlights how quickly speculation can spread online, particularly when it involves high-profile figures like Musk and Carlson. The rumor plays into existing narratives about Musk’s campaign against “woke culture” and his willingness to make bold, unconventional moves in business and media.
As of now, there is no credible evidence to support the claim that Elon Musk plans to buy ABC or name Tucker Carlson as its CEO. The story seems to be rooted in speculation and satire rather than verifiable facts.
While Musk has a history of challenging traditional media norms and Carlson remains a prominent figure in conservative circles, this rumor should be treated as just that—an unsubstantiated claim. Any developments in this direction would require official announcements from Musk or Disney, neither of which has occurred.
For now, this story serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information through reputable sources before accepting or sharing it as fact.
