In a surprising move that’s got everyone talking, tech billionaire Elon Musk has reportedly dropped $790 million to buy ABC Company. Right after taking over, he made a big call: canceling the popular talk show The View. This came after actor Alec Baldwin called Musk a “scumbag” during a recent episode.
This bold purchase adds to Musk’s growing list of businesses, which already includes Tesla, SpaceX, and his recent buyout of X (once called Twitter). While no one’s sure exactly why he did it, some think Musk wants to shake up what he sees as unfair media stories.
The decision has people in the industry asking what’s next for ABC with Musk in charge. Some guess he might push for shows about tech or use it to boost his other companies. Others worry it’s a sign of rich people controlling what we see and hear.
Critics say Musk’s move shows billionaires can just buy their way into changing the media. With The View gone, its hosts—like Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar—are now looking for new gigs. Alec Baldwin, who started this mess, hasn’t said anything about the show ending, but he’s still a big part of the story.
This latest step makes Musk an even bigger name in media, where he’s known for shaking things up and stirring trouble. Whether canceling The View helps or hurts him is still up in the air, but one thing’s for sure: Musk keeps changing how tech, media, and culture mix.
Soon after the news hit, Musk put out a statement about dropping The View:
“Free speech is key, but nasty, hateful talk doesn’t help anyone. This is about keeping things real and useful.”
The trouble started on a heated episode of The View, where Baldwin, a regular guest, didn’t hold back, calling Musk a “scumbag” over how he runs X. The clip blew up online, and Baldwin later stuck to his guns in interviews, saying Musk’s a “touchy billionaire who can’t take a hit.”
The decision has raised questions among industry leaders, with many wondering how Musk’s leadership will affect ABC’s future programming. Some speculate that he could steer the network toward more tech-oriented content or use it as a platform to amplify his other ventures.
Critics fear Musk’s actions signal a worrying trend of billionaires using their wealth to control media narratives.
With The View off the air, its hosts, including Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, are reportedly exploring new opportunities. Alec Baldwin, meanwhile, has not commented on the show’s cancellation, but remains a polarizing figure in the saga.
This latest move cements Musk’s growing influence in the media landscape, an arena in which he has increasingly positioned himself as a disruptor and a lightning rod for controversy.
Whether the decision to cancel The View will bolster his reputation or backfire remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Musk’s bold actions continue to redefine the intersection of technology, media and culture.
