Drop in MSNBC Ratings Reveal Democrats Are Looking for New Ways to Be Lied To
US—Both MSNBC and CNN are reporting massive drops in viewership, prompting loyal audiences to search elsewhere for their daily dose of comforting narratives. Longtime viewers of the cable news giants, now in a post-cable quest for more creative fibs, have been flocking to other, more “trustworthy” sources of misinformation.
“I used to start my day with MSNBC to get my facts… or at least, the right kind of facts,” explained Oran G. Manbad, a devoted MSNBC fan. “Now, I’m turning to alternatives like Jon Lovitz’s ‘Liar’ character on SNL reruns. Nothing says truth like a guy who lies so openly.”
Experts say the move has created an unexpected market for “vintage” misinformation. A poll of former MSNBC viewers shows that 63% have turned to watching Joe Isuzu ads for nostalgia’s sake, with one respondent noting, “That guy’s delivery really sells the kind of confident untruth I’ve been missing. I could believe anything that man says.”
Many political commentators are eager to see if the loss in ratings will impact MSNBC’s ability to produce new storylines. Meanwhile, online groups like “Fib Network” are popping up with members who collectively create and share their own half-truths and spin, fostering a vibrant, creative community of DIY disinformation.
“It’s liberating,” Manbad confessed. “Now I can tune into anything and get exactly the narrative I need—no news anchor required.”