Cable TV is going the way of the VCR. FOX is doing great, but MSNBC is a losing proposition.
Rockefeller would lose his investments if it folded. ( So would many other politicians, of his ilk. They might even have investments in FOX. Money is money, ya know.)
HOWEVER, if the FCC FORCES MSNBC to stop it's broadcast, the investors (who in this case are the one's who make the law to begin with) are protected financially. Rockefeller wants to sacrifice his 'lamb', because it was spoiled and he couldn't sell it anyway. This way, YOU will be forced to give him fair market price , but you don't get the lamb, and he takes one of your lambs.
Let’s not forget his wife, Sharon Percy Rockefeller is CEO of the public broadcasting station WETA in DC.