MSNBC is preparing for a major rebrand as Comcast moves to spin off much of its cable portfolio into a separate company later this year.The channel will be renamed “My Source News Opinion World,” or MS NOW, according to internal memos.
The shift means MSNBC and other networks including CNBC and USA will be grouped into a new entity called Versant, led by Mark Lazarus.The channels will also retire NBCUniversal’s iconic peacock logo, underscoring Comcast’s strategy of pivoting toward streaming.
Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC’s president, told staff the brand refresh will not affect hiring plans.She said the network has been bringing in dozens of journalists and recruiting for nearly 100 positions as it prepares for independence.
Founded in 1996 as a joint venture with Microsoft, MSNBC long ago outgrew its original name, with Microsoft exiting its stake more than a decade ago.CNBC will keep its name but adopt a new logo.
The rebranding follows similar moves in the media industry, with Warner Bros. Discovery reviving HBO Max for streaming and publisher Dotdash Meredith shifting to the People brand.Comcast is betting its NBC broadcast network and Peacock streaming service will remain its strongest media drivers.
