CNN10 Shocking Move: 5 Powerful Changes at MSNBC Rebrand

MSNBC to Undergo Bold Transformation Amid Versant’s Split from Comcast

In a surprising industry shake-up, MSNBC will soon undergo a complete rebrand, with its iconic peacock logo disappearing as part of a strategic separation from Comcast’s NBCUniversal. This move signals one of the biggest identity shifts in the cable news sphere in decades.

Versant, the soon-to-be independent company, confirmed that MSNBC will adopt a new name: My Source News Opinion World (MS Now). This fresh identity marks a bold step toward distinguishing MSNBC from NBC News, while building a standalone newsroom operation.

Why the Sudden Change?

According to CEO Mark Lazarus, earlier assurances had suggested MSNBC would retain its name. However, in an internal memo, he emphasized the necessity of establishing a separate identity for MSNBC in the wake of the corporate restructuring.

Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC President, reassured staff that while the name is evolving, the mission remains unchanged.

“Our commitment to independent journalism will not waiver,” Kutler noted.

Plans for a New, Independent Newsroom

To power this transformation, MSNBC is aggressively expanding its workforce. Nearly 100 new hires are planned, with 40 journalists already brought in from CNN, Politico, Bloomberg, and other notable outlets.

A dedicated Washington, D.C. bureau will be established, helping MS Now stand apart with its own exclusive coverage.

The End of the Peacock Era

The rebrand will not only affect MSNBC, but also CNBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, and digital platforms like GolfNow and SportsEngine. All Versant-owned properties will remove the famed NBC peacock logo, signaling a clean departure from NBCUniversal branding.

What About CNBC?

Interestingly, CNBC (which stands for Consumer News and Business Channel, not “National Broadcasting Company”) will maintain its name but will sport a new logo. Its strong distinction from NBC News’s coverage made a renaming unnecessary, although branding updates are in store.

Audience Growth and Marketing Campaign

MSNBC, currently the second-most watched cable news network with an average of 1.2 million prime-time viewers, will soon kick off a nationwide marketing blitz. Executives are calling it one of the biggest promotional campaigns in recent memory, expected to amplify its fresh identity as MS Now.

With 28 anchors, 21 correspondents, and over 120 hours of weekly live programming, Versant aims to reassure audiences that while the logo and name may change, the content will remain fast, reliable, and politically insightful.

The Bigger Picture

This rebrand, coming before Versant’s public spinoff launch, represents a significant shift in the media ecosystem. NBCUniversal will continue focusing on its own portfolio, while Versant carves out a new identity-focused space in the fast-changing news market.

For legacy viewers, the loss of the iconic peacock logo may feel bittersweet, but experts say this pivot could create a stronger digital-first future for MS Now.