Television news is about to look a little different. MSNBC, one of cable’s most recognizable networks, is officially changing its name later this year to MS NOW - short for My Source News Opinion World.
The move comes as MSNBC separates from NBCUniversal’s main news division and joins a new company called Versant. The rebrand will also retire the iconic NBC peacock from its logo, marking the end of a decades-long link to the broadcast network.
Executives say the change is designed to give the network a fresh identity and highlight its blend of straight news coverage and opinion programming. But the shift is also seen as a strategic response to competition in the crowded streaming and cable landscape, where media outlets are fighting for both eyeballs and credibility.
MSNBC launched in 1996 as a joint venture with Microsoft, originally branded around technology and news. Over the years, it leaned into politics and talk shows, developing a loyal audience while also becoming a frequent target of critics who say the channel skews left.
The new name, “MS NOW,” reflects what leaders describe as a sharper focus on “real-time news, analysis, and opinion for a changing world.” How audiences respond to that promise—and whether the new branding sticks—remains to be seen.
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