Viral Rumor Debunked: No Joint Independent News Venture for Rachel Maddow, David Muir, and Jimmy Kimmel
By Grok News Desk December 25, 2025
Amid a turbulent media landscape marked by corporate consolidations, declining trust, and shifting viewer habits, a persistent online rumor has captured widespread attention: claims that prominent broadcasters Rachel Maddow, David Muir, and Jimmy Kimmel are collaborating on a groundbreaking independent news platform free from corporate oversight and advertising pressures.
security.org
statista.com
Illustrative graphics often used in social media posts about misinformation, reflecting how sensational rumors spread rapidly online.
These stories, frequently titled variations like “The Real Room” or similar, describe the trio quitting multimillion-dollar network contracts for a “radical” venture promising unfiltered journalism. However, thorough investigations by fact-checking organizations and major outlets confirm the claims are unfounded, originating from low-credibility websites and viral social posts without verifiable sources.
vaccineresourcehub.org
Social Media: Graphics Outline Misinformation Red Flags – Fake …
Examples of fake news indicators commonly highlighted in awareness campaigns.
As of late 2025, Rachel Maddow continues hosting on MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), David Muir anchors ABC’s World News Tonight, and Jimmy Kimmel leads Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC. No official announcements, statements from representatives, or credible reporting support any joint project or departures.
gettyimages.com
gettyimages.com
journalism.cuny.edu
Rachel Maddow in a professional portrait (top); David Muir anchoring (middle); Jimmy Kimmel on his late-night set (bottom).
The rumor echoes earlier debunked tales involving Maddow with other hosts like Stephen Colbert or Joy Reid, often amplified during periods of industry uncertainty—such as network rebrandings or contract speculations. Fact-checkers note these narratives exploit public frustration with mainstream media, blending real frustrations (e.g., editorial constraints) with fiction for clicks.
This case illustrates the emotional pull of such stories: hope for “pure” journalism amid polarization. Yet without primary evidence, it remains misinformation, reminding viewers to seek reliable sources.
abcnews.go.com
hellomagazine.com
abcnews.go.com
youtube.com
aljazeera.com
vanityfair.com
David Muir on set (left and center); Jimmy Kimmel hosting (right)—all continuing their established roles.
