‘Not a Joke’: MSNBC Rebrand to MS NOW Met With Mixed Reactions
Courtesy of Versant
MSNBC is changing its name to MS NOW; and the internet has thoughts.
The progressive cable news network is shedding “NBC” from its name as a result of NBC Universal’s decision to separate its cable channels into a new company, Versant. MS NOW stands for “My Source News Opinion World.”
On Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough called the new logo, which doesn’t boast the NBC peacock, “very sporty,” submitting that the change “shows we’re independent.”
“I’m excited about this,” said Scarborough.
“I like this,” agreed Andrew Ross Sorkin, who again cited MS NOW’s “independence” and separation from “legacy media.”
Their colleague, Rachel Maddow, was similarly enthusiastic.
“If there was ever a time for us to change our name, this is it — because we’re not just separating from NBC News in corporate terms, we’re competing with them now,” Maddow told Variety. “So I think the distinction is going to be good for us. What NBC is doing in its legacy timeslots — the Today Show, Nightly, Meet the Press — is just a world away from the 24/7 totally independent news operation that we’re able to stand up now, thanks to the spin-off.”
For her part, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler told her staff that “This new branding underscores our mission: to serve as a destination for breaking news and best-in-class opinion journalism, all rooted in accurate and reported facts.”
Senior VP of Communications Richard Hudock, meanwhile, suggested that “Change requires flexibility, adaptability, and an open mind. This change is good for us.”
And CNN’s Andy Kaczynski asked critics “What’s the problem? This seems fine.”
But make no mistake, there are plenty of critics.
“Sounds like a fundraiser for multiple sclerosis,” mused The Wall Street Journal‘s Kyle Smith.
He wasn’t the only one to think so. As of mid-Monday morning, “Multiple Sclerosis” was among the top five trending topis on X.
“Not a joke,” deadpanned Yashar Ali after reporting on the rebrand.
“If a legendary feminist magazine and a premier feminist organization decided to start a cable news network, they could do worse than calling ‘Ms. Now,'” joked Jonah Goldberg.
“OUT: MSNBC as representative of ridiculous left-wing cant masquerading as news IN: MS NOW as representative of ridiculous left-wing cant masquerading as news,” declared Rich Lowry.
“… If MSNBC got to stay MSNBC long after Microsoft left the venture, why can’t they remain MSNBC after NBC leaves the venture?” asked Jacob Rubashkin.
“MSNBC is rebranding as MS NOW. Good lord. MSNBC’s brand is so toxic that they won’t even let them use the NBC brand any more,” commented Clay Travis.
There was plenty more where that came from.
