MSNBC is swapping its name for My Source News Opinion World—or MS Now, for those who prefer their acronyms snappy. The cable news network, known for its political hot takes and lively debates, is also giving the boot to the iconic NBCUniversal peacock logo.
This shake-up, announced on August 18, 2025, is part of Versant’s grand exit strategy from Comcast’s NBCUniversal, and it’s got the newsroom buzzing like a beehive on espresso.
Versant CEO Mark Lazarus dropped the bombshell in a memo that had employees doing double-takes. Apparently, earlier this year, Lazarus swore MSNBC’s name was safe, but someone at NBCUniversal had a change of heart.
The decision to rebrand is all about “accelerating the distinction” between MSNBC and NBC News, because nothing screams independence like a fresh nameplate and a peacock-free existence.
MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler was quick to reassure the troops that the network’s soul remains untouched. “Our name’s changing, but we’re still the same folks delivering the news you love,” she wrote, probably while sipping coffee and dodging peacock feathers.
The network’s mission to cover politics with gusto and provide sharp commentary won’t budge an inch.
To prove they’re not just slapping on a new name and calling it a day, MSNBC is beefing up its newsroom.
They’ve hired 40 journalists from heavyweights like CNN, Bloomberg, and Politico, and they’re scouting for 100 more to fill a shiny new Washington, D.C., bureau. It’s like they’re building a news Avengers team, ready to tackle stories without NBC News holding their hand.
Meanwhile, CNBC is dodging the name-change bullet. Its acronym, which stands for Consumer News and Business Channel, never had anything to do with NBC, so it gets to keep its moniker. But don’t think it’s escaping the rebrand rodeo—CNBC’s logo is also losing its peacock, because apparently, colorful birds are so last season.
The rest of Versant’s portfolio is getting a makeover too. USA Network and Golf Channel are teaming up under the USA Sports banner, ready to flex their athletic prowess. Digital platforms GolfNow and SportsEngine are also ditching their peacock logos, ensuring Versant’s brands are as peacock-free as a minimalist’s living room.
Why all the fuss? Versant’s spinning off into a publicly traded company by year’s end, and they want to hit the ground running with a fresh identity.
The name change and logo purge are set to roll out before the spinoff, with a marketing campaign so big Kutler called it “unlike anything we’ve done in recent memory.” Expect billboards, TV spots, and maybe a few skywritten messages to hammer home the MS Now vibe.
MSNBC, or rather MS Now, isn’t just resting on its laurels. The network pulls in 1.2 million primetime viewers, making it the second-most watched cable news channel. With 28 anchors, 21 correspondents, and over 120 hours of live programming weekly, they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
The decision to ditch the peacock has raised some eyebrows. After all, that rainbow-feathered bird has been a TV staple for decades. But Versant’s ready to spread its wings—sans feathers—and carve out a new path.
This rebrand isn’t just a cosmetic fix. It’s a bold move to signal MS Now’s independence from NBCUniversal’s shadow. Kutler’s memo practically radiates confidence, promising a “modern newsgathering operation” that’s lean, mean, and peacock-free.
Viewers might need a minute to adjust to the new name. My Source News Opinion World doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but MS Now has a certain ring to it. It’s short, punchy, and ready to compete in the cutthroat world of cable news.
The spinoff from Comcast is a big deal, and Versant’s not wasting time. By hiring top talent and investing in a splashy marketing push, they’re signaling they mean business. The newsroom’s practically vibrating with anticipation—or maybe that’s just the coffee machine working overtime.
As MS Now prepares to launch, the network’s betting on its loyal audience to stick around. They’ve got the talent, the airtime, and a new name to prove they’re ready for the future. Whether viewers embrace the change or grumble into their morning coffee, one thing’s clear: MS Now is here to make waves, not feathers.
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