MSNBC Rebrands to MS NOW Amid Comcast Restructuring
In a notable shift, the left-leaning network MSNBC is rebranding itself as MS NOW, which stands for “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.” This change aligns with Comcast’s plan to separate various cable networks into a new publicly traded entity.
The spin-off, expected to finalize by the end of this year, will group Comcast’s cable channels under a new name: Versant.
This shift, along with the dropping of “NBC” from its branding during NBCUniversal’s restructuring, has already drawn some light-hearted mockery online.
“This new branding underscores our mission: to serve as a destination for breaking news and best-in-class opinion journalism, all rooted in accurate and reported facts,” said Rebecca Kutler, president of MSNBC.
“During this time of transition, NBCUniversal decided that our brand requires a new, separate identity,” she added. “This decision now allows us to set our own course and assert our independence as we continue to build our own modern newsgathering operation.”
The updated logo replaces the familiar peacock symbol with a redesigned striped flag in red, white, and blue.
Versant will include networks such as MS NOW, CNBC, USA Network, and many more, while NBCUniversal will retain NBC News and related channels.
Interestingly, CNBC will not change its name in the rebranding process.
MSNBC originally launched in 1996 as a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC. Microsoft divested its stake in the channel in 2005, later selling its interest in MSNBC.com in 2012.
The rebranding has already attracted some ridicule online, largely due to the network’s history of partisan commentary from notable figures such as Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid.
“OUT: MSNBC as representative of ridiculous left-wing cant masquerading as news. IN: MS NOW as representative of ridiculous left-wing cant masquerading as news,” commented National Review editor Rich Lowry.
Online reactions have included humorous interpretations like “Majorly Skewed News Overly Woke” and “Most Surely No One Watching.”
One user even labeled the rebrand as “BS NOW.”
“I don’t know what’s worse, Versant or My Source News Opinion World. Whoever came up with these names deserves to be shown the door,” said a former media executive.
In a response to the rebranding, Rachel Maddow expressed, “If there was ever a time for us to change our name, this is it – because we’re not just separating from NBC News in corporate terms, we’re competing with them now. So, I think the distinction is going to be good for us.”
She continued, “What NBC is doing in its legacy timeslots – the Today Show, Nightly, Meet the Press – is just a world away from the 24/7 totally independent news operation that we’re able to stand up now, thanks to the spin-off.”
