Podcaster Joe Rogan is to replace Rachel Maddow as MSNBC’s prime-time host after Elon Musk’s network takeover.
In late-November 2024, a post on Facebook page SpaceX Fanclub claimed podcast host Joe Rogan was replacing Rachel Maddow as MSNBC’s prime-time host following tech billionaire Elon Musk’s alleged network takeover.
The post received hundreds of reactions and had amassed more than 200 comments, as of this writing.
(SpaceX Fanclub/Facebook)
Many users in the comments appeared to believe the rumor was real, with one person writing: “Yeah get rid of the Herman Munster lookalike Maddow finally,” to which another person responded, “I would also love for Elon to also have a show for Alex Jones!!!!!”
However, the claim was not true. It originated from a page that is satirical in nature. SpaceX Fanclub’s Facebook intro stated: “We post SATIRE, nothing on this page is real.” The above post also included a “RATED SATIRE” label in the top-left corner of the meme.
SpaceX Fanclub shared an accompanying article in the comments section from satirical website Esspots, published Nov. 24, 2024. The article stated:
In an unprecedented shake-up of American media, Joe Rogan is set to take over Rachel Maddow’s prime-time slot on MSNBC following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the network for $5 billion. The announcement, which Musk teased with his signature blend of humor and bravado, has left viewers stunned, critics fuming, and social media in an uproar.
“Rachel Maddow has had her moment,” Musk declared in a tweet shortly after confirming the deal. “It’s time for a fresh voice—someone who actually connects with people. Joe Rogan is that voice.”
Rogan, best known for his wildly popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, is a controversial but undeniably influential figure in modern media. His freewheeling style, unfiltered conversations, and willingness to platform a diverse range of voices have earned him both fans and detractors.
“Am I a journalist? No,” Rogan said during a live taping of his podcast when asked about the move. “But then again, who really is these days? What I am is curious—and that’s what people want. They don’t need someone lecturing them; they need someone who’ll ask the hard, weird questions. I’m that guy.”
Esspots described its output as being humorous or satirical in nature, and part of the same network as the SpaceX Fanclub Facebook page. Esspots’ “About Us” page stated:
Welcome to the US page of Esspots (A Subsidiary of SpaceXMania.com specializing in Satire and Parody News), your one-stop destination for satirical news and commentary about the United States of America. Our team of writers and editors is dedicated to bringing you the latest and greatest in fake news and absurdity, all with a healthy dose of humor and satire.
Likewise, its disclaimer page stated:
Before you proceed to read our content, we would like to emphasize that nothing on this website is real. All of the articles, stories, and commentary found on Esspots.com are entirely fictitious and created for the purpose of entertainment only.
We understand that satire can sometimes be mistaken for actual news or events, but we want to make it clear that we do not publish factual or accurate information. We do not intend to deceive or mislead our readers in any way, and all of our content should be taken with a grain of salt.
The satirical claim about Rogan taking over the coveted prime-time TV spot held by “The Rachel Maddow Show” might have seemed believable due to a Nov. 22 exchange he had with Musk on the Tesla co-founder’s social media platform X.
On X, Musk jokingly floated the idea of purchasing MSNBC, which was rumored to be up for sale by its parent company, Comcast, after Donald Trump Jr. tweeted to Musk, “I have the funniest idea ever!!!” to which Musk responded, “How much does it cost?” It was then that Rogan jumped into the fray, responding, “If you buy MSNBC I would like Rachael Maddow’s job. I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies,” to which Musk responded, “Deal .”
If you buy MSNBC I would like Rachael Maddow’s job. I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) November 22, 2024
However, there was no evidence that Comcast intended to sell MSNBC. Likewise, no credible news outlet reported on such a story, which would be eminently newsworthy if it were true.
Snopes has addressed similar satirical claims about Rogan before, including the rumor he added 3 million subscribers to “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast after he announced an interview with President-elect Donald Trump before the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
For background, here is why we alert readers to rumors created by sources that call their output humorous or satirical.
