In a surprising turn of events, the MSNBC news network announced on Monday that it will be rebranding itself as My Source News Opinion World, or MS NOW for short. This change marks a significant step in the network's corporate separation from NBC, as it aims to establish its own identity. As part of this transformation, the network will also retire the iconic NBC peacock symbol from its logo, signaling a new chapter for the outlet later this year.
MSNBC originally emerged in 1996 as a collaboration between Microsoft and NBC. The name has been a topic of debate over the years, with many questioning its relevance after the partnership ended. However, it became a staple in the media landscape, especially appealing to liberal audiences with prominent figures like Rachel Maddow, Ari Melber, and Nicole Wallace leading the charge. The recent name change was mandated by NBC Universal, which last November spun off several cable networks, including MSNBC, into a new company named Versant. Interestingly, other networks in the spinoff, such as CNBC and USA, will retain their original names.
MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler addressed the staff in a memo, emphasizing that the decision was not taken lightly. “This was not a decision that was made quickly or without significant debate,” she stated. Kutler highlighted that as part of the transition, NBC Universal felt that the network required a new, distinct identity. She assured employees that while the name is changing, the core values and editorial direction of MSNBC will remain intact. “While our name will be changing, who we are and what we do will not,” she affirmed.
The decision to change the name carries inherent risks. Notably, the business channel C NBC will retain its association with NBC, which the network argues is justified due to its longstanding independence and business-centric focus, making it less likely to overlap with MSNBC's coverage. The affiliation between a news outlet that emphasizes objectivity and one that embraces a more liberal stance has historically sparked tension, particularly during the Trump administration, when the former president often referred to MSNBC as “MSDNC,” a nod to the Democratic National Committee.
Moving forward, MSNBC is poised to enhance its editorial independence. With the recent corporate shift, the network can now assert its autonomy in news gathering. Maddow explained in a recent episode of her show that this change means MSNBC will no longer compete with NBC News for primary reporting resources, allowing the team to prioritize its unique editorial needs. “In this case, we can apply our own instincts, our own queries, our own priorities, to getting stuff that we need from reporters and correspondents,” she stated. “And so it’s gonna be better.”
On Monday, MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough unveiled the network’s new logo during his show, describing it as “very sporty.” This visual rebranding is part of the broader effort to establish a fresh identity for MS NOW, reflecting its commitment to delivering insightful news and opinion tailored to its audience.
As the transition unfolds, MS NOW aims to carve out a distinct niche in the competitive news landscape while remaining true to its roots and committed to delivering quality journalism.
