MSNBC Rebrands as MS NOW Following Split from NBC

Published Time: 08-18-2025, 14:30

The U.S. cable news channel MSNBC will soon operate under a new name — My Source News Opinion World (MS NOW) — marking a major rebranding effort following its corporate separation from NBC. The move reflects the network’s effort to establish independence, strengthen its editorial identity, and move away from long-standing associations with NBC News.

A New Identity for a Changing Network

MSNBC, founded in 1996 through a partnership between Microsoft and NBC, has long been recognized as a liberal-leaning cable news network. Known for its opinion-driven programming, the network features prominent hosts such as Rachel Maddow, Ari Melber, and Nicolle Wallace.

The upcoming rebrand will not only introduce a new name but also retire the iconic NBC peacock from its logo. According to the network, the transition is expected to take effect before the end of 2025.

“This was not a decision that was made quickly or without significant debate,” MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler said in a staff memo. “During this time of transition, NBC Universal decided that our brand requires a new, separate identity. This decision allows us to set our own course and assert independence as we continue to build a modern newsgathering organization.”

The Corporate Split with NBC

The rebrand follows NBC Universal’s decision last year to spin off several of its cable networks — including MSNBC, CNBC, USA, Oxygen, E! Entertainment, and the Golf Channel — into a standalone company called Versant. While most of these networks have retained their original names, MSNBC is undergoing the most significant identity shift.

Interestingly, CNBC will keep “NBC” in its name, which some analysts suggest reflects its greater editorial separation and focus on business news, reducing direct overlap with NBC News coverage.

Editorial Independence and Strategic Shift

The separation is expected to give MS NOW more control over how it gathers and delivers news. For years, MSNBC’s editorial direction and tone have sparked debates inside and outside the NBC family. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have frequently targeted the network, referring to it as “MSDNC” in an effort to highlight its perceived political leanings.

The network’s leadership believes the rebrand will strengthen its editorial voice. Maddow, speaking on the media podcast Pivot, welcomed the change, noting that the network will no longer have to rely on NBC News for reporting resources.

“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,” Maddow said. “And so it’s gonna be better.”

Talent Shifts and Expanding Coverage

As part of its evolution, MS NOW has continued to attract prominent journalists from across the media landscape. Recent hires include Carol Leonnig, Catherine Rampell, and Jackie Alemany from The Washington Post, along with Eugene Daniels from Politico. Meanwhile, established NBC News journalists such as Jacob Soboroff, Vaughn Hillyard, Brandy Zadrozny, and Antonia Hylton have transitioned to roles within the cable network.

This talent expansion underscores the network’s effort to strengthen original reporting and reduce reliance on NBC News’ editorial pipeline.

The Risks and Opportunities of Rebranding

Rebranding carries inherent risks, especially for a network with nearly three decades of recognition under the MSNBC name. Longtime viewers may take time to adjust, and industry observers will be watching closely to see whether MS NOW can maintain or grow its audience in a competitive cable and streaming news environment.

Still, executives emphasize that the rebrand provides an opportunity for renewal. By moving away from NBC’s umbrella, MS NOW aims to create a brand identity that reflects both its opinion-driven content and its growing news operation.

Conclusion

The rebranding of MSNBC to MS NOW represents more than just a name change — it is a signal of editorial independence, corporate restructuring, and strategic repositioning in the evolving media landscape. While the transition may carry challenges, the network’s leadership and talent lineup suggest a strong commitment to shaping its own future in the crowded news market.

Source: AP News – Cable’s MSNBC will change its name later this year as part of corporate divorce from NBC