Rumors Swirl of Major Media Shake-Up: Maddow, Muir, and Kimmel Linked to Independent News Venture
The New York Times December 26, 2025
By Elena Ramirez and Alex Thornton
NEW YORK — In a media landscape already reeling from declining trust and shifting viewer habits, unverified rumors have exploded online claiming that three of television’s biggest names — Rachel Maddow of MSNBC, David Muir of ABC’s World News Tonight, and Jimmy Kimmel of Jimmy Kimmel Live! — are secretly planning to leave their networks and launch a groundbreaking independent news and entertainment platform.
The speculation, which began circulating on social media and fringe news sites earlier this fall, describes a subscription-based venture with no corporate oversight, no commercial interruptions, and complete editorial independence. Dubbed in various reports as “The Real Room” or similar names, the alleged project promises unfiltered journalism, investigative reporting, and satirical commentary free from advertiser influence.
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We’re Done Being Puppets — It’s Time to Burn the Script!” David …
A composite image circulating online purporting to show Rachel Maddow, David Muir, and Jimmy Kimmel announcing their joint venture. (Source: Social media)
However, as of today, no official confirmation has come from Maddow, Muir, Kimmel, or their representatives. MSNBC, ABC, and their parent companies have declined to comment on the rumors. Fact-checking organizations, including Snopes and Lead Stories, have previously debunked similar claims involving Maddow and other late-night hosts, labeling them as baseless or originating from satirical or clickbait sources.
The rumors appear to stem from a series of viral articles on lesser-known websites, many published between September and November 2025. These stories often feature dramatic headlines and fabricated quotes, such as Maddow declaring “We’re done being puppets” or Kimmel joking about burning network scripts. Some sites describe a surprise livestream announcement that reportedly drew millions of viewers, but no evidence of such an event exists on major platforms.
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Rachel Maddow (left) and David Muir (right), two of the figures at the center of the speculation. (Credits: Rolling Stone; HELLO! Magazine)
Industry analysts note that the claims tap into real frustrations within journalism. Trust in mainstream media remains at historic lows, with many viewers migrating to independent podcasts, Substack newsletters, and streaming platforms. High-profile departures, such as Tucker Carlson’s launch of his own network after Fox News or Joe Rogan’s Spotify deal, have fueled speculation about similar moves.
Rachel Maddow, 52, has long been MSNBC’s top-rated host, known for her in-depth political analysis. Her contract, reportedly worth over $30 million annually, was renewed in recent years, though she has scaled back to a weekly show and podcast format. David Muir, 52, anchors the most-watched evening newscast in America, earning praise for his steady delivery amid turbulent news cycles. Jimmy Kimmel, 58, continues to host his late-night show on ABC, blending humor with topical commentary.
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Jimmy Kimmel Live Schedule for the Week of 12/22/2025 | Jimmy …
Jimmy Kimmel on the set of his late-night show. (Credit: ABC)
If true, such a collaboration would represent an unprecedented alliance across news and entertainment divisions, potentially disrupting traditional broadcast models. Experts caution, however, that coordinating exits from lucrative network deals would involve complex contractual negotiations and significant financial risk.
Skeptics point out inconsistencies: many rumor-mill articles interchangeably include Stephen Colbert instead of Muir, suggesting recycled or AI-generated content. Snopes has explicitly debunked related claims, noting Maddow’s on-air denial of starting her own network earlier this year.
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Illustrations of modern news studios (left) and independent podcast setups (right), reflecting the shift toward digital media. (Credits: Amazon; Buzzsprout)
Meanwhile, the media industry faces genuine upheaval. Streaming services dominate viewership, advertising dollars have fragmented, and political polarization has eroded shared audiences. Independent creators like Glenn Greenwald, Bari Weiss, and Matt Taibbi have built successful subscriber-funded operations, proving the model viable on a smaller scale.
Whether this particular rumor holds any truth remains unclear. Sources close to the hosts describe them as content in their current roles, with no imminent plans for departure. Yet in an era of rapid change, the mere speculation underscores a broader question: Is the era of corporate-dominated television news coming to an end?
As one veteran producer anonymously told The Times: “Everyone’s talking about it because everyone wishes it were true. But right now, it’s just a very convincing story.”
The networks continue business as usual, with Maddow’s podcast thriving, Muir anchoring nightly, and Kimmel preparing for his next season. For now, the “radical independent venture” exists only in headlines — and in the imaginations of a disillusioned public.
