• MSNBC will change its name to MS NOW, standing for My Source News Opinion World.
• The rebranding is part of a corporate spin-off from NBC Universal into a new company called Versant.
• The iconic peacock logo will be dropped along with the channel's historical name.
• Leadership insists editorial direction and commitment to the audience will remain unchanged.
• MSNBC has been actively recruiting journalists ahead of the rebrand.

MSNBC, the left-leaning cable news network, is set to rebrand as **My Source News Opinion World**, or **MS NOW**, following a significant corporate spin-off from NBC Universal into a new entity named Versant. This name change was announced amidst Comcast's broader strategy to separate various NBCUniversal cable networks, and it reflects a desire for MSNBC to establish its independent identity. The network will also remove the iconic peacock logo from its branding, signaling a complete departure from its NBC association, according to HuffPost and Business Insider.

This rebranding effort aims to allow MSNBC to navigate a competitive media landscape more effectively. Versant's CEO Mark Lazarus emphasized that this move will help form "a distinct identity, entirely separate from the NBC News brand," essential as both outlets cover similar news stories without shared operations. Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC President, confirmed that while the channel's name is changing, "the brand's commitment to its audience will not change," according to CBS News and Reuters.

As part of its transition, MSNBC has been actively hiring over three dozen journalists from various outlets to bolster its team, illustrating a commitment to growth even amidst industry challenges. The network is particularly focused on enhancing its reputation as a source for both domestic and international breaking news. Notably, MSNBC has had a historically liberal stance that often led to tensions with its parent NBC News, a dynamic that the rebranding aims to clarify and resolve, according to Al Jazeera and Business Insider.

Insider reactions to the rebranding have varied, with some expressing excitement about the new direction, while others remain skeptical about the implications for the network's identity and function. Some staff members voiced that the shift could signal a desire to appeal to a broader audience, though there has been no formal directive to change the network's progressive editorial slant, as reported by CBS News and Reuters.