Mark Cuban isn’t buying the notion that mainstream media tilts left. In fact, he insists it’s conservatives who dominate the media landscape today. His remarks came during an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, where Cuban joined hosts Joe Kernen, Andrew Ross Sorkin, and Rebecca Quick to discuss the current presidential race and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, as reported by Mediaite [1].
The discussion took a sharp turn when Kernen cited a report from the conservative Media Research Center’s NewsBusters. The report accused ABC News of airing 100% positive coverage of Harris while giving 93% negative coverage to former President Donald Trump. With the only potential Trump vs. Harris debate hosted by ABC, the findings raised concerns about media bias.
[2]Kernen pressed Cuban about media coverage, mentioning Elon Musk’s recent critiques of the press. “I would just argue that filling in the blanks does not account for that move and the media coverage has been so positive and almost, Mark, that it’s like, we don’t have to worry about electing this guy who is clearly not up for another four years, and it’s not Donald Trump so the people and the left that need a candidate would have embraced anyone at that point. And you know ABC it was 100% positive coverage of her, 92% negative of Trump so Elon says, what changed the media coverage?” Kernen asked.
[3]Cuban wasted no time in flipping the script. “What’s the most-watched news channel?” Cuban challenged. “Who are the most watched and viewed and listened to podcasts?” When Kernen mentioned Fox News, Cuban quickly agreed. “I mean, it’s not close. The number one shows are all Fox, the number one podcasts lean right.”
MARK CUBAN: “The mainstream media is not who you think it is. The mainstream media truly leans right.”@JoeSquawk [4] @mcuban [5] @elonmusk [6] pic.twitter.com/FJaC3VoY0N [7]
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) September 26, 2024 [8]
According to Cuban, the success of right-leaning outlets like Fox News and conservative podcasts proves that mainstream media isn’t as liberal as many think. “The mainstream media is not who you think it is. The mainstream media truly leans right,” he claimed.
[9]Mark Cuban’s media blitz this week has certainly stirred the pot, making appearances on Fox News and sitting down with comedian Theo Von. During these interviews, Cuban didn’t shy away from discussing his past support for Donald Trump, his ongoing feud with Elon Musk, and his endorsement of Kamala Harris for the 2024 election.
As Cuban continues making his rounds, it’s become evident that he’s rejecting the typical left-wing narrative about media bias. In his view, it’s the conservatives who are calling the shots in today’s media landscape, not the liberal elites.