MSNBC Drops Peacock Logo, to Rebrand as 'MS Now'

MSNBC is rebranding as "MS Now" as it separates from NBC News and asserts an independent identity. The network will join a portfolio of channels under the new banner, Versant, and will no longer share resources and branding with NBC News. The change comes as part of a broader corporate restructuring, with MSNBC building its own political reporting operation.

MSNBC, the cable news channel, is set to rebrand as "MS NOW" as it separates from NBC News and asserts an independent identity. The rebranding is part of a broader corporate restructuring, with MSNBC joining a portfolio of channels under the new banner, Versant. This move signifies a significant shift in MSNBC's operational structure, as it will no longer share resources and branding with NBC News.

The rebranding comes as MSNBC builds its own political reporting operation, distinct from NBC News. The new name, "MS NOW," stands for My Source for News, Opinion, and the World, and is intended to reflect the network's mission to serve as a destination for domestic and international breaking news and opinion journalism. This rebranding is part of a larger initiative by Comcast to spin off several of its cable networks into Versant, signaling a significant shift in its media strategy as streaming takes precedence.

The rebranding has been met with both criticism and mockery on social media, with political commentator Russell Drew and former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann expressing skepticism about the new name. Despite the negative reaction, MSNBC leadership has emphasized that the network's mission will remain unchanged. Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC President, stated in an internal memo that "while our name will be changing, who we are and what we do will not."

The rebranding coincides with a major newsroom expansion, with dozens of journalists hired recently and more expected as the network builds a newsroom independent of NBC News. The new name and logo will roll out fully once MSNBC officially joins Versant, with no specific launch date announced yet but expected before the end of 2025.

References:
[1] https://www.newsweek.com/msnbc-rebrand-ms-now-mocked-online-2115112
[2] https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/08/18/breaking-news/msnbc-rebrands-as-ms-now-before-comcast-spinoff/
[3] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/msnbc-changes-name-to-ms-now-versant-1236346734