CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin discusses the new name for MSNBC with Morning Joe.

In November 2024, Comcast announced a spin-off of many NBCUniversal cable networks into a new media company named Versant. This spin-off officially adopted the name Versant in May 2025. MSNBC is among the networks being moved into Versant—alongside CNBC, USA Network, E!, Golf Channel, Oxygen, and more.

The iconic NBC peacock logo will stay with NBCUniversal, meaning MSNBC will need a standalone identity. Versant CEO Mark Lazarus framed this as an opportunity “to chart our own path forward” under a new brand identity. MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler emphasized that the rebrand reflects a move toward independence—building a modern, self-sufficient newsroom. The goal: maintain mission and journalistic values, but with more autonomy from NBC News.

As Rachel Maddow put it, “we can apply our own instincts, our own priorities” rather than relying on what NBC News provides.