Pic Credit: MSN
In a major shakeup set to reshape cable news, MSNBC will be changing its name to MS NOW later this year as part of its corporate split from NBCUniversal. The news comes after Comcast announced its plan to spin off several networks, including MSNBC, CNBC, and entertainment channels like USA and Syfy, into a new publicly traded company called Versant.
The rebranding signals the end of nearly 30 years of the MSNBC brand and its familiar association with the iconic NBC peacock logo. MS NOW short for “My Source News Opinion World” will emerge as an independent network, separate from NBC News and its parent company NBCUniversal, which will retain the “NBC” name and branding.
MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler acknowledged in a memo to staff that while the decision was difficult, it’s necessary to avoid confusion between NBC News and MSNBC, which have long had overlapping news content. The network is already planning a substantial marketing campaign to introduce the MS NOW brand to viewers and reassure them that the quality and mission behind the news coverage will remain unchanged.
The network is preparing for this new chapter by hiring journalists from prominent media outlets to strengthen its newsroom as an independent entity. Despite some skepticism and playful critiques of the new name on social media, MS NOW’s leadership is confident this rebranding offers a fresh start to create a distinct identity.
Popular hosts such as Rachel Maddow will continue under the MS NOW banner, promising to maintain the network’s progressive slant and in-depth political coverage. The split and rebrand reflect the evolving challenges cable news faces amid streaming competition and a transforming media landscape.
This transition is a major development in U.S. media, marking both a symbolic and practical shift for MSNBC and its loyal audience as MS NOW takes center stage in the coming months.
