A tweet from Elon Musk criticizing ABC News’ moderation of the Trump-Harris presidential debate sparked a significant subscriber exodus from the network’s streaming services. Musk, alleging “blatant bias” against Donald Trump in the moderators’ fact-checking, called for a boycott of ABC. The hashtag #BoycottABC quickly trended on X (formerly Twitter), leading to a reported loss of nearly one million subscribers overnight.

The debate, moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis, drew criticism from across the political spectrum, but Musk’s intervention amplified discontent among his followers. Many echoed his sentiment that Trump faced more rigorous fact-checking than Kamala Harris, perceiving this as unfair treatment. Musk’s subsequent tweet, “ABC is worse than your Wi-Fi during a Zoom call. Boycott them. Let’s show them who really runs the show,” directly catalyzed the boycott.

The impact was swift. ABC saw a substantial drop in subscribers to its streaming platform, and affiliated services like Hulu also experienced a decline. While the exact number of cancellations remains unconfirmed by ABC, the network acknowledged the backlash and issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to “fair and balanced coverage.” However, this response appeared to do little to quell the criticism.

The incident highlights Musk’s considerable influence, extending beyond the realms of technology and into media. His ability to mobilize his followers underscores the growing power of social media figures to shape public opinion and impact corporate bottom lines.

While some lauded Musk for holding media accountable, others criticized his actions as an attack on journalistic integrity and an attempt to silence dissenting voices. Critics argue that fact-checking is a crucial component of responsible journalism, particularly during political debates.

The long-term consequences for ABC remain unclear. Whether the network will adjust its approach to political coverage or attempt to regain lost subscribers through other means is yet to be seen. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving relationship between social media, media consumption, and political discourse. The debate also raises questions about the potential for influential figures to leverage their platforms to exert pressure on media organizations, potentially impacting journalistic independence.