MSNBC, known for its left-leaning perspective and popular hosts, recently shocked viewers by announcing a name change to MS NOW. This decision sparked quite the backlash on social media, with many poking fun at the new name. Some suggested it might stand for “Majorly Skewed News Overly Woke” or “Most Surely No One Watching.”
Changing its name comes as part of a reorganization. Parent company Comcast is planning to spin off MSNBC into a separate publicly traded entity called Versant by the end of the year. This change means MSNBC will no longer be linked to NBC or its recognizable Peacock logo.
Former media executives expressed their disbelief, with one commenting, “Whoever came up with these names deserves to be shown the door.” The odd spacing in the new name only added to the confusion, with jokes circulating about what MS could stand for.
Acquiring the domain names for MS NOW might be another hurdle. Currently, one domain is dedicated to motorized snow vehicles, while another redirects to a meal delivery service.
This rebranding follows assurances from NBCUniversal’s executive Mark Lazarus, who had previously told staff that MSNBC’s name and logo would remain unchanged. The shift has raised eyebrows and concerns about trust within the organization, with staff reacting hesitantly to these unexpected developments.
On social media, the reaction has been harsh, with some calling it “one of the worst branding disasters in media history.” Critics believe the logo looks outdated and unprofessional, a view echoed by conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who ridiculed the network for the hefty investment in what he considers a subpar rebranding.
Rebecca Kutler, the president of MSNBC, has promised a “massive marketing campaign” for MS NOW, aiming to establish a distinctive identity. Over the past months, MSNBC has been actively recruiting journalists from major outlets like CNN and The Washington Post to build a more independent newsroom.
In light of this, experts from the media industry suggest that maintaining credibility during a rebrand is crucial. David Carr, a former media critic at The New York Times, once noted that audiences disengage when they perceive insincerity. This point is especially relevant as MSNBC navigates this major transition.
As we watch this unfolding story, the outcome of MS NOW will depend on how well the network can connect with viewers and redefine its brand in a competitive landscape.
For those interested in the latest updates, you can follow developments directly from NBCUniversal.
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