MSNBC studio logo representing the network’s rebrand to MS NOW under Versant Media Company
Business & Technology

MSNBC Rebrands as MS NOW Amid Major Corporate Shakeup

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

MSNBC is officially changing its name to MS NOW, marking the end of an era for the nearly 30-year-old news brand. The announcement came Monday as part of a broader restructuring following the creation of Versant, a new media company formed after NBCUniversal spun off several of its cable assets.

A New Name for a New Era

MSNBC is rebranding as MS NOW, marking the end of nearly 30 years under its original name.

According to a statement released on MSNBC’s website, later this year the network will relaunch as MS NOW—short for “My Source News Opinion World.” The rebrand reflects its separation from NBCUniversal and the NBC News network.

MS NOW will remain under the newly formed Versant Media Company, which also houses CNBC, SyFy, E!, and several sports networks. Despite the name change, executives assure viewers that the network’s commitment to delivering quality journalism will remain unchanged.

Leadership Changes and Programming Shifts

The rebrand follows a year of internal upheaval. Earlier in 2025, Rashida Jones, the first Black woman to lead a major news network, stepped down as MSNBC president during the restructuring process. Jones had taken the helm in 2021, making history across the media landscape.

Since her departure, the network has implemented multiple programming changes, including canceling Joy Reid’s primetime show and reshuffling anchors such as Rachel Maddow. Now, with a new corporate identity and a new name, MS NOW aims to position itself firmly under Versant’s growing portfolio.

Ending the MSNBC Legacy

The decision to retire the MSNBC name—born in 1996 through a partnership between Microsoft and NBC—marks the end of a long-running brand. While executives cite the corporate restructuring as the driving force, critics and loyal viewers are skeptical.

Former host Keith Olbermann blasted the move, tweeting that management “still screwed up what I built for them.” Others compared it to Warner Bros.’ brief rebrand of HBO Max, which was ultimately reversed after viewer backlash.

What’s Next for MS NOW?

The network insists the rebrand won’t affect its editorial mission, but industry watchers note that brand identity is a powerful force. After nearly three decades, convincing loyal MSNBC viewers to embrace “MS NOW” may prove challenging.

For now, the new chapter reflects a broader media shift: traditional cable brands reinventing themselves in an era of corporate restructuring, digital expansion, and shifting viewer habits. Whether MS NOW will gain traction or struggle under the weight of nostalgia remains to be seen.