Almost 30 years after debuting,MSNBCis changing its name. Since launching on June 10, 2025, the cable news channel has remained a television staple for decades now, including for its robust coverage of breaking news and political commentary. Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow are among the many notable individuals who have worked for the channel over the years.
According toThe New York Times, by the end of 2025, MSNBC will be called My Source News Opinion World (MS NOW) instead. Rebecca Kutler, who is the president of MSNBC, said in a memo sent to employees that the change is intended to represent"breaking news and best-in-class opinion journalism.“Read her additional comments below:
I want to acknowledge that for many of you who have spent years or decades here, it is hard to imagine the network by any other name. This was not a decision that was made quickly or without significant debate.
The name change is also due to cable channels under NBCUniversal TV now being owned by Versant, a company spun off from Comcast. As such, MSNBC is no longer using the NBC brand as part of their name. Check out comments from Mark Lazarus, chief executive of Versant, about the name change:
This gives us the opportunity to chart our own path forward, create distinct brand identities and establish an independent news organization following the spin.
What This Means For MSNBC
Given how recognizable the MSNBC name is, it will take time to get used to the name MS NOW. Their dedication to covering breaking news and providing in-depth analysis of these events does not appear to be changing despite the significant change to the channel’s branding.
MS NOW is arguably losing valuable brand recognition, but the change has been deemed to be the best move under the ownership of Versant and as the channel attempts to be seen as more of an independent news organization.
Unlike MS NOW, CNBC is not removing the final three letters from their name. This is because CNBC stands for “Consumer News and Business Channel” and not for the National Broadcasting Company. CNBC will also have a new logo that does not include NBC’s peacock imagery.
Our Take On MSNBC’s Name Change
It is always strange when something familiar suddenly changes, and MSNBC changing their name to MS NOW is no exception. The MS NOW name doesn’t feel as natural or roll off the tongue as easily as MSNBC does, but that may change over time and as the new name becomes further associated with the channel.
Names are important, but what matters more is thatMSNBCwill continue to deliver the high-quality reporting and analysis that they have become known for over the years. As long as these strengths don’t change, the channel’s approach to news and its viewership shouldn’t be altered too drastically, regardless of the name.
