MSNBC's widely recognized data analyst Steve Kornacki is known for his energetic breakdown of votes and election results, but after signing a new deal with NBC, he can take on a expanded role across the network's news and sports division.
Standing up to national prominence amid the tense tensions of the 2020 presidential election, Kornucky will reduce his presence on MSNBC as the network will be significantly rebuilt ahead of the planned spinoff of cable assets.
Under the new agreement, Kornacki's official title will become contributors and chief data analysts for both NBC News and NBC Sports. An NBC spokesman confirmed the deadline.
That's what the news was The first was reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Since joining MSNBC in 2012, Kornacki has been a fixture during the election cycle, and has been praised especially for its high energy analysis of voting trends and voting patterns.
His detailed breakdown, often delivered with rolled up sleeves and infectious enthusiasm, has made him a popular figure with viewers and earned him praise, including being nominated in 2020 as one of People Magazine's “Seciest Men Alive.”
This change in Kornacki's role occurs amid a major upheaval at MSNBC. It prepares life as an independent news channel following Comcast's announcement earlier this year to spin off cable properties into another entity.
Earlier this year, MSNBC began a critical restructuring that led to widespread layoffs and cancellations of the program. Most notably, the axis of “The Reidout,” hosted by Joy Reid.
Reid's departure was accompanied by the termination of most staff related to her program.
Similarly, MSNBC Management cancelled “Alex Wagner Tonight” and reassigned host Alex Wagner to the role of senior political correspondent.
These decisions were part of a broader effort to improve the network's prime time lineup. This is currently adopted by marquee star Rachel Madow, who hosts a weekly show on Monday nights, and former Biden spokesman Jumpsaki.
The reshuffle also affected other programs and personnel.
The shows hosted by Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, Ayman Mohyeldin and José Díaz-Balart were cancelled, leading to layoffs for their respective production teams.
Affected employees were given the option to apply for a new role within MSNBC or accept a retirement package.
In January, Rashida Jones resigned as president of MSNBC amid preparations for a network of spinoffs from Comcast.
Rebecca Kutler, once a senior vice president at MSNBC, was appointed her successor in February.
This spinoff is part of Comcast's broader strategy aimed at streamlining business operations and focusing more proactively on broadband internet services as traditional cable TV subscribers continue to decline.
As MSNBC moves towards independence, the network has invested heavily in its own reporting capabilities, and has recently announced plans to hire more than 100 journalists to bolster the original news coverage.
MSNBC consistently ranked second in ratings behind rival Fox News, but in many cases it outperformed CNN. Nevertheless, I've seen ratings slip over the last few months.
Fox News shares common ownership with the post.
Following the 2024 presidential election, MSNBC experienced a significant rating decline, with Primetime viewership ratings falling by 57% between Election Day and December 31, with an average of 660,000 viewers compared to 1.3 million people in December 2023.
This trend continued in early 2025. “The Rachel Maddow Show” saw a 22% drop in total audience among adults aged 25-54 since President Trump's victory, and a 29% drop.
This post is being asked for comment from MSNBC.
