Recent reports indicate that NBC News staff, responsible for providing graphics support to both MSNBC and a division of their corporate parent Comcast, have been laid off ahead of a spin-off involving MSNBC.
A new entity named Versant is set to take over MSNBC, and currently, fewer than 12 staff members remain, with approximately 30 locks on their doors as per reports.
The first layoffs came from NBC’s graphics team, which historically served both NBC News and MSNBC.
Insiders mentioned that the shared graphics unit has been restructured as MSNBC and CNBC prepare to transition into Versant.
According to the newsletter, some employees moved to Versant while others stayed with NBC News, leading to some being let go entirely.
In total, around 12 full-time employees were reported as affected, along with several freelancers. This initial round of layoffs may signal larger changes ahead.
A comment from MSNBC and NBC News has been requested but remains unanswered.
Comcast, which owns networks like MSNBC, CNBC, Universal Studios, and several others, will see the new company debuting by the end of 2025 under the ticker VSNT, carrying digital properties such as Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango.
This deal is structured to be tax-free for Comcast shareholders receiving shares in the new company. Versant is expected to begin with relatively low debt and around $7 billion in annual revenue.
Comcast will retain primary assets including NBC broadcasts and streaming service Peacock, which are crucial for their growth in streaming and broadband.
Starting October 20, NBC News staff will no longer contribute to MSNBC. The two will halt joint editorial meetings and share content only on NBC’s decision desk.
As MSNBC increasingly shifts towards opinion-based programming, this change signifies a formal separation that has been developing for some time.
Executives at Versant have begun creating independent newsrooms and operating procedures to replace NBC’s editorial support.
CNBC, which has traditionally operated independently from NBC News, will also transition into Versant while maintaining its identity as a business news outlet.
Experts in the industry don’t foresee significant disruption beyond corporate governance changes.
The most noticeable change will likely be for MSNBC, which has relied on the “NBC” name and the iconic peacock logo.
By November, the network plans to rebrand as “MS Now” and relocate to a new studio in New York.
While existing programming and major hosts are expected to remain, executives aim to enhance news coverage and strengthen their reporting teams to assert independence from NBC.
MS has already secured a partnership with Sky News for global coverage.
