MSNBC Drops Its Old Identity: Say Hello to MS NOW
A Name Change That’s Anything But Minor
Big changes are coming to one of America’s most recognized cable news channels. After nearly three decades, MSNBC is getting a total makeover. The network is officially rebranding itself as MS NOW—a fresh name that stands for “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.”
The update goes beyond just a new name. The famous NBC peacock logo, which has been part of MSNBC since its launch in the 1990s, will also disappear. For many viewers, this feels like the end of an era. But for the people behind the channel, it’s the start of something new and independent.
Why the Big Change?
The rebrand comes as MSNBC prepares to separate from NBCUniversal. Later this year, the channel—along with other cable networks—will spin off into a brand-new company called Versant.
Executives say the name change is about giving the network its own identity. For years, MSNBC was often confused with NBC News. Now, with a completely separate path ahead, MS NOW wants to make sure viewers see it as its own voice in the media world.
Rebecca Kutler, the network’s president, admitted the decision wasn’t easy. Many staff members spent decades working under the MSNBC banner. But once the team embraced the new direction, enthusiasm grew quickly.
What Will MS NOW Look and Feel Like?
Visually, expect a bold new logo without the peacock, sleeker graphics, and fresh branding across screens and online platforms. But behind the scenes, some things won’t change at all.
The network’s core identity—its mix of progressive commentary, political debate, and sharp coverage of national and global news—is here to stay. Big names like Rachel Maddow, Joy Reid, and Lawrence O’Donnell aren’t going anywhere. In fact, the network says this independence will give them even more space to follow their instincts and push boundaries.
Another major shift: MS NOW will run its own newsroom, separate from NBC News. A stronger bureau in Washington, D.C., is already in the works to focus on politics and policy.
From MSNBC to MS NOW: A Fresh Start
For viewers, the rebrand is also a chance to wipe the slate clean. MSNBC has always been known as a cable channel that leaned left politically. With MS NOW, the leadership wants to refresh that image—without losing its core audience.
Versant CEO Mark Lazarus described the change as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to rethink what cable news can be in 2025 and beyond. Alongside CNBC (which will keep its name but also get a logo refresh), MS NOW will become a centerpiece of the new Versant portfolio.
What Viewers Can Expect
📌 New Name, Same Spirit – MS NOW isn’t abandoning its roots. It’s still your source for sharp analysis and progressive voices.
📌 A Distinct Identity – No more confusion with NBC News. The new name makes it clear: MS NOW stands alone.
📌 More Political Coverage – With a growing D.C. team, expect deeper dives into American politics, especially with the 2026 elections on the horizon.
📌 Bold Branding – New graphics, updated studio looks, and more digital-first storytelling to connect with younger audiences.
📌 Launch by Year’s End – The transition should be complete before 2026, with a full marketing campaign to introduce MS NOW to the public.
Final Word
This rebrand is more than just dropping a logo—it’s about reinventing a news brand for the modern era. MSNBC was built in partnership with Microsoft and NBC back in 1996, but the media world looks nothing like it did back then.
As MS NOW, the network wants to send a message: it’s ready to stand on its own, chart its own path, and meet audiences where they are today. Whether you’ve been a longtime viewer or just tune in occasionally, one thing is certain—you’ll be hearing a lot more about MS NOW in the months to come.
