NBC's cable news network has shed its old moniker, MSNBC, and is now officially known as MS NOW, or My Source for News, Opinion, and World. As Jonathan Capehart opened the show on Saturday with his signature phrase, "Thanks for joining us on MS NOW... don't adjust your settings, we are formerly MSNBC," it was clear that a new era has begun.
The move comes as NBC's cable properties are being spun off into a new company called Versant, which requires MSNBC to build out its own independent news gathering operation and separate itself from NBC. This shift is aimed at improving the network's independence and credibility, particularly in a climate where journalists' sources are increasingly under scrutiny.
MS NOW's president, Rebecca Kutler, has stated that the network's mission remains unchanged despite the name change: to provide pro-journalism coverage that supports democracy. The new name reflects this commitment, with MS NOW standing for My Source for News, Opinion, and World.
The rebranding marks a significant departure from MSNBC's origins in 1996 as an all-news channel by NBC. Initially dubbed "Microsoft Network" due to its partnership with Microsoft at the time, the network has undergone numerous name changes over the years, including a stint in 2005 when Microsoft left but MSNBC retained the name.
MS NOW is investing heavily in new studios and personnel, including a recent hiring spree aimed at bolstering the network's reporting capabilities. The new headquarters in Times Square boasts sleek, modern facilities that contrast sharply with the humble warehouse space in New Jersey where the original MSNBC studios were located.
Despite its efforts to distance itself from the past, MS NOW has acknowledged that some viewers may still use the outdated name out of habit. Nevertheless, the network is confident that its new identity will resonate with audiences and help it establish a stronger presence on the news landscape. As one user noted on social media, November 15th holds special significance for NBC as it marks the date of the network's first broadcast in 1926; MS NOW aims to forge its own path while honoring this rich history.
The move comes as NBC's cable properties are being spun off into a new company called Versant, which requires MSNBC to build out its own independent news gathering operation and separate itself from NBC. This shift is aimed at improving the network's independence and credibility, particularly in a climate where journalists' sources are increasingly under scrutiny.
MS NOW's president, Rebecca Kutler, has stated that the network's mission remains unchanged despite the name change: to provide pro-journalism coverage that supports democracy. The new name reflects this commitment, with MS NOW standing for My Source for News, Opinion, and World.
The rebranding marks a significant departure from MSNBC's origins in 1996 as an all-news channel by NBC. Initially dubbed "Microsoft Network" due to its partnership with Microsoft at the time, the network has undergone numerous name changes over the years, including a stint in 2005 when Microsoft left but MSNBC retained the name.
MS NOW is investing heavily in new studios and personnel, including a recent hiring spree aimed at bolstering the network's reporting capabilities. The new headquarters in Times Square boasts sleek, modern facilities that contrast sharply with the humble warehouse space in New Jersey where the original MSNBC studios were located.
Despite its efforts to distance itself from the past, MS NOW has acknowledged that some viewers may still use the outdated name out of habit. Nevertheless, the network is confident that its new identity will resonate with audiences and help it establish a stronger presence on the news landscape. As one user noted on social media, November 15th holds special significance for NBC as it marks the date of the network's first broadcast in 1926; MS NOW aims to forge its own path while honoring this rich history.