MSNBC Rebrands as MS NOW: A $20 Million Overhaul for Cable News

MSNBC is undergoing its biggest transformation in 30 years. The iconic cable news network becomes MS NOW on November 15, 2025. The rebrand marks the network’s full independence from NBCUniversal.

A massive $20 million ad campaign launches to help viewers navigate this evolution. The network’s president confirmed the historic shift in late October.

Details of the Historic Network Overhaul

MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler announced the official rebrand date. The network revealed the new name as part of a corporate split from NBCUniversal. This follows Comcast’s decision to spin off its cable channels.

The new company is called Versant. MS NOW stands for “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World”. The network will drop the iconic NBC peacock logo entirely.

Staff have already relocated to new Manhattan offices. The network stopped relying on NBC News correspondents for coverage in October. This ensures MS NOW maintains its own independent newsroom.

The Major Marketing Campaign Behind the Change

A $20 million national advertising campaign launched on election night. The campaign is titled “We The People”. It features Rachel Maddow reading the preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

A companion spot showcases the late Maya Angelou. It uses her famous poem “The Human Family”. The creative agency Sibling Rivalry produced the commercials.

The campaign includes appearances by all major hosts. Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, and Jen Psaki appear. Lawrence O’Donnell and Chris Hayes are also featured.

The tagline “Same Mission. New Name” reassures loyal viewers. Content and editorial viewpoints will remain consistent. The median viewer age of 72 reflects strong generational loyalty.

Industry Impact and Future Implications

This rebrand represents the end of an era for cable news. MSNBC launched on July 15, 1996. It originally shared the Microsoft-NBC partnership DNA.

The split signals a fundamental shift in media conglomerates. Comcast is protecting brand identity across its empire. CNBC also loses the peacock logo but keeps its name.

The move creates clearer separation between news divisions. NBC News remains the serious hard-news division. MS NOW maintains progressive-leaning opinion and analysis.

Industry observers will watch viewer retention closely. The $20 million campaign must educate viewers about the rebrand. Cable news networks rarely undergo such major identity shifts.

The MS NOW rebrand represents one of cable news’s most significant transformations. This $20 million overhaul could redefine network independence. The success of this MSNBC rebrand will be closely watched across the media landscape.

Dropping this nugget your way

What does MS NOW stand for?

MS NOW stands for “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World”. The new name reflects the network’s expanded mission. It maintains the core focus on news and opinion programming.

Will the network’s hosts and shows change?

All major hosts and programs will remain unchanged. Morning Joe, Rachel Maddow, and Lawrence O’Donnell continue their roles. The network emphasizes content consistency throughout the transition.

Why is MSNBC rebranding now?

The rebrand results from Comcast’s corporate restructuring. The company is spinning off cable channels into a new entity called Versant. This requires separate branding from NBCUniversal.

When does the change officially happen?

The MS NOW brand officially launches on November 15, 2025. The $20 million marketing campaign began during election coverage. Viewers will see a gradual transition until the full switch.

What happens to the NBC peacock logo?

The network will completely drop the NBC peacock symbol. This visual separation emphasizes the corporate independence. The new logo features only the MS NOW branding.

How much does the rebrand campaign cost?

The national marketing campaign costs $20 million. It includes television commercials and digital advertising. The budget reflects the importance of maintaining viewer loyalty.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, The New York Times, Reuters, Associated Press