MSNBC is one of the most recognized cable news networks in the United States, known for its coverage of politics, breaking news, and opinion programming. Many people often ask who owns MSNBC and what company controls its operations. The answer lies in its deep connection with NBCUniversal and its parent company Comcast.
Key Takeaways
- MSNBC is fully owned by NBCUniversal, which is in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, making Comcast the ultimate parent company.
- Microsoft was an initial co-owner at launch in 1996 but sold its stake in the channel by 2005, leaving NBCUniversal with full control.
- NBCUniversal manages MSNBC as part of its News Group, alongside NBC News and CNBC, providing strategic oversight, resources, and infrastructure while allowing editorial independence.
MSNBC Profile
MSNBC is an American cable news network that offers live news, analysis, political commentary, and opinion programming.
It operates under NBCUniversal’s news division. In 2024, Comcast announced a plan to spin off many of its cable networks and media properties into a new independent entity called Versant (formerly referred to as “SpinCo”).
Under that restructuring, MSNBC is among the assets slated to move into Versant, separate from NBC’s broadcast and streaming operations.
As part of this shift, MSNBC is dropping the NBC peacock logo, preparing its own identity, and building out its independent news infrastructure, since previously it had relied heavily on collaboration with NBC News.
Its headquarters remain in New York City, notably at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where it has long had studios.
As of 2025, it is in a transitional period, preparing to separate from NBC News and rebrand itself as MS NOW (My Source News Opinion World). MSNBC is known for its progressive tilt in prime time and for combining breaking news with commentary.
Founders
MSNBC was founded in 1996 as a joint venture between the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and Microsoft, making it one of the earliest attempts to merge traditional television news with online digital platforms.
The channel was conceived by NBC executives, with Tom Rogers, then an NBC executive and later president of CNBC, playing a key role in its creation and launch strategy.
Microsoft contributed technological expertise and online distribution capabilities, which helped shape MSNBC’s initial identity as a hybrid cable-and-digital news platform.
The collaboration aimed to combine NBC’s journalistic credibility with Microsoft’s emerging digital reach, giving MSNBC a unique positioning in the 24-hour news landscape at the time.
Over the years, Microsoft gradually divested its interest, selling its stake in the cable channel by 2005, while NBCUniversal assumed full operational control, solidifying MSNBC’s position as a major cable news network under one corporate owner.
Major Milestones
- 1996: MSNBC launches on July 15 as a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC. Jodi Applegate anchors the first broadcast. The network combines a 24-hour news channel with an ambitious online presence at msnbc.com.
- 1998: MSNBC gains wider carriage on U.S. cable systems and starts building its political coverage reputation, competing with CNN and the then-new Fox News Channel.
- 2001: During the September 11 terrorist attacks, MSNBC plays a vital role in live coverage, benefiting from NBC News’ vast resources.
- 2002: MSNBC moves toward personality-driven shows, bringing in Phil Donahue for a primetime program. It lasts only a few months, but signals a shift away from just rolling news.
- 2005: Microsoft sells its stake in the MSNBC cable channel to NBC, giving NBC full control. The network continues using the joint msnbc.com website, which Microsoft still co-owns.
- 2007: MSNBC relocates to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, uniting its operations with NBC News headquarters.
- 2008: MSNBC finds strong ratings momentum during the U.S. presidential election, leaning into opinion programming with shows hosted by Keith Olbermann, Chris Matthews, and Rachel Maddow.
- 2010: The Rachel Maddow Show becomes the network’s flagship program, driving its identity as a progressive news and commentary outlet.
- 2012: Microsoft ends its joint ownership of msnbc.com, leaving NBCUniversal as sole owner of the digital property. The site is rebranded as NBCNews.com, with msnbc.com later relaunched as a separate brand extension.
- 2013: Phil Griffin, MSNBC president, reshapes the primetime lineup, adding shows like All In with Chris Hayes and The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.
- 2015: MSNBC begins a gradual shift back toward breaking news during the daytime, leaving opinion and commentary largely for primetime slots.
- 2016: Coverage of the U.S. presidential election boosts MSNBC’s ratings significantly, establishing it as the second-most-watched cable news network behind Fox News.
- 2017: MSNBC hits record ratings during the Trump administration years, becoming a go-to network for liberal audiences.
- 2018: The network expands its digital presence, integrating more video clips and live streaming options across NBCUniversal platforms.
- 2020: MSNBC’s coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. election brings in record audiences, with primetime hosts like Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell drawing millions of viewers nightly.
- 2021: Rashida Jones becomes president of MSNBC, the first Black executive to lead a major U.S. cable news network.
- 2022: Rachel Maddow scales back her nightly hosting duties, focusing on special projects. Alex Wagner is tapped to host Alex Wagner Tonight in her slot.
- 2023: MSNBC strengthens its digital reach and streaming presence by aligning with Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, offering simulcasts and special political programs.
- 2024: Comcast announces it will spin off several cable networks, including MSNBC, into a new independent entity called Versant. MSNBC begins preparing for separation from NBC News.
- 2025: MSNBC rebrands as MS NOW, dropping the NBC peacock logo to establish its own independent identity. NBC News and MSNBC formally separate on October 6, 2025, with NBC journalists no longer appearing on MSNBC shows. The network also debuts The Weeknight, a political discussion program hosted by Alicia Menendez, Symone Sanders-Townsend, and Michael Steele.
Who Owns MSNBC in 2025?
MSNBC is fully owned by NBCUniversal, a global media and entertainment conglomerate. Since its founding in 1996 as a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft, the network has undergone significant changes in ownership. Microsoft initially held a 50% stake but began divesting in the early 2000s.
By 2005, Microsoft sold its share in the cable news channel, giving NBC full control. Eventually, Microsoft also exited its online partnership in 2012, leaving MSNBC entirely under NBCUniversal’s ownership.
As of October 2025, MSNBC operates as a core component of NBCUniversal’s news division, which also includes NBC News and CNBC. This structure provides the channel with vast resources, top-tier journalism, and access to NBC’s global reporting network.
MSNBC is in the process of rebranding itself as MS NOW, preparing to operate with a more independent identity as part of Versant, a new entity being spun off from Comcast. Despite this structural change, Comcast’s influence remains significant, as it continues to oversee the transition.
Parent Company of MSNBC
MSNBC operates under the umbrella of NBCUniversal News Group, which is one of the most influential divisions of NBCUniversal. The News Group also includes NBC News, CNBC, and digital platforms.
This setup allows MSNBC to share resources such as correspondents, production facilities, and global bureaus, while also developing its own editorial direction and brand identity.
NBCUniversal, founded in 2004 through the merger of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, has grown into a multimedia powerhouse with assets spanning broadcast television, cable networks, streaming services, film studios, and theme parks. It controls flagship brands like NBC, Telemundo, Universal Pictures, Peacock (its streaming service), and Universal Parks & Resorts.
For MSNBC, being part of NBCUniversal means access to a vast network of journalists, financial backing, and global distribution channels.
At the very top, NBCUniversal is wholly owned by Comcast Corporation, a global leader in telecommunications, broadband, and media. Comcast is one of the largest media companies in the world by revenue, and its acquisition of NBCUniversal gave it complete control of MSNBC.
This ultimate ownership makes Comcast the true parent company of MSNBC. Comcast not only distributes MSNBC through its cable and internet services but also drives the strategic direction of its content businesses.
The Roberts family, particularly Brian L. Roberts, plays a central role in Comcast’s ownership and decision-making. Roberts’ family trust controls a large portion of voting shares, ensuring stability and continuity in corporate governance.
Institutional investors such as Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street also hold substantial stakes in Comcast, giving them a strong presence among shareholders.
While they do not directly influence MSNBC’s editorial decisions, their financial involvement shapes Comcast’s broader corporate strategy, indirectly affecting MSNBC as part of the group.
Acquisition Insights and Details
The ownership journey of MSNBC is directly tied to the evolution of NBCUniversal itself. Originally, MSNBC was co-owned by Microsoft and NBC (then part of General Electric).
Microsoft provided technology and digital expertise, while NBC contributed journalistic and production resources.
In 2005, Microsoft sold its stake in the MSNBC cable channel, leaving NBC in full control.
Later, in 2012, Microsoft also ended its involvement in msnbc.com, giving NBCUniversal sole ownership of MSNBC across both television and digital platforms.
The turning point came when Comcast entered the picture.
In 2009, Comcast announced its plan to acquire a majority stake in NBCUniversal from General Electric.
By January 2011, the deal closed, and Comcast officially held 51% of NBCUniversal, granting it operational control.
In February 2013, Comcast purchased the remaining 49% stake from GE for approximately $16.7 billion. This transaction made NBCUniversal, and therefore MSNBC, a fully owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
This acquisition was significant for the U.S. media landscape. It allowed Comcast to become not just a distributor of content through its cable services, but also a major creator of content across news, film, and television.
MSNBC benefited directly from this integration, gaining greater financial stability, improved technology infrastructure, and the ability to expand its reach through Comcast’s massive distribution networks.
Who Runs MSNBC?
MSNBC’s leadership is structured under both its own executive team and the larger NBCUniversal News Group. While editorial and operational decisions are handled by MSNBC’s president and management, strategic direction flows through NBCUniversal, which itself is owned by Comcast.
This layered governance means MSNBC operates with a mix of editorial independence and corporate oversight.
The President of MSNBC
The current President of MSNBC is Rashida Jones, who took leadership in 2021. She is the first Black executive to head a major cable news network in the United States, marking a historic milestone in American media. Jones oversees day-to-day operations, programming strategy, and editorial decision-making across MSNBC. Her leadership includes managing on-air talent, developing new shows, and ensuring the network’s content aligns with audience expectations.
Under her presidency, MSNBC has balanced breaking news coverage with its established identity as a political commentary channel. She also plays a central role in the network’s 2025 rebrand to MS NOW, steering its transition into a more independent brand following the Comcast spinoff into Versant.
NBCUniversal News Group Oversight
While MSNBC has its own president, it is part of the NBCUniversal News Group, which also includes NBC News, CNBC, and other digital news properties. The News Group leadership sets overarching strategy, budgets, and operational policies. This ensures that MSNBC benefits from shared resources such as correspondents, news bureaus, and production technology.
NBCUniversal executives oversee MSNBC’s integration with broader corporate goals, particularly as Comcast continues to shape its media holdings. This level of oversight provides both financial stability and strategic alignment, though MSNBC still maintains a degree of independence in its programming style.
The Role of Comcast
At the top level, Comcast Corporation plays the ultimate role in running MSNBC, since it owns NBCUniversal entirely. Comcast’s chairman and CEO, Brian L. Roberts, wields substantial influence due to his family trust’s strong voting power within the company. Although Comcast does not dictate MSNBC’s editorial decisions, it sets the corporate framework that guides the network’s long-term direction, investments, and expansions.
Comcast’s financial and technological resources are vital for MSNBC’s growth, distribution, and global reach. For example, Comcast’s ownership has allowed MSNBC to expand its streaming presence, integrate with Peacock, and prepare for structural changes under Versant.
Past Leadership of MSNBC
MSNBC’s identity has also been shaped by its past leaders. Phil Griffin, who served as president from 2008 to 2021, was instrumental in developing MSNBC’s primetime lineup with hosts like Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O’Donnell, and Chris Hayes. His strategy positioned the network as a liberal counterbalance to Fox News. Before him, Dan Abrams also played a significant role in shaping the channel’s programming.
These leaders helped establish MSNBC’s modern reputation as a network that combines breaking news with political opinion and analysis, paving the way for Rashida Jones to lead its evolution into the next era.
Editorial and Decision-Making Structure
Operationally, MSNBC is managed through a layered editorial process. Show producers and anchors make daily content decisions, which are reviewed and aligned with the president’s strategic vision. The News Group leadership ensures that MSNBC follows NBCUniversal’s standards for journalism and compliance. At the corporate level, Comcast’s board and executives influence broader investments, distribution strategies, and brand positioning.
This structure allows MSNBC to maintain its editorial independence while benefiting from the resources and infrastructure of one of the world’s largest media corporations.
MSNBC Annual Revenue and Net Worth
As of October 2025, MSNBC’s estimated revenue is around $2.5 billion, and its net worth (as a media brand within NBCUniversal) is well over $4.5 billion.
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD, in Billions) | Estimated Net Worth / Brand Value (USD, in Billions) | Notes / Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | ~ 0.50 | ~ 0.8 – 1.0 | Early stable period in cable news growth |
| 2013 | ~ 0.50 | ~ 0.9 – 1.1 | Modest brand value gains |
| 2014 | ~ 0.50 | ~ 1.0 – 1.2 | Flat revenue, growing brand monetization |
| 2015 | ~ 0.52 | ~ 1.2 – 1.5 | Digital expansion and licensing play roles |
| 2016 | ~ 0.60 (est) | ~ 1.5 – 2.0 | Growth in ad and cable fees |
| 2017 | ~ 0.65 (est) | ~ 1.8 – 2.3 | Strong political coverage drives interest |
| 2018 | ~ 0.70 (est) | ~ 2.0 – 2.6 | Streaming tie-ins and digital presence rising |
| 2019 | ~ 0.78 (est) | ~ 2.2 – 2.8 | Election cycles boost ad demand |
| 2020 | ~ 0.85 (est) | ~ 2.5 – 3.2 | Pandemic and election year spike |
| 2021 | ~ 0.98 | ~ 3.0 – 3.8 | Peak in many estimates, cable news strong year |
| 2022 | ~ 0.90 | ~ 2.8 – 3.5 | Decline in ad revenue and viewership |
| 2023 | ~ 0.82 (est) | ~ 2.5 – 3.2 | Continued headwinds in cable news revenues |
| 2024 | ~ 1.10 (est) | ~ 3.5 – 4.5 | Anticipated rebound with rebranding and digital gains |
| 2025 (projection) | ~ 2.5 | ~ 4.5 | Growth projection under new structure and branding |
2025 Revenue
MSNBC earns revenue through multiple channels: advertising, carriage fees from cable/satellite providers, licensing, and digital distribution. Advertising is a major source, particularly in prime time and during major political or breaking news events. Carriage and retransmission fees from cable and satellite providers add stable income. Licensing of program clips, syndication, and digital ad revenue (from its web and streaming presence) contribute additional streams.
Because MSNBC is part of NBCUniversal’s media portfolio, its exact revenue is often aggregated with NBC News, CNBC, and other networks.
Still, analysts often isolate MSNBC’s estimated share in the cable news segment. In the current 2025 climate, with rising costs and shifting viewer habits, MSNBC’s revenue is thought to hover around $2.5 billion (give or take), making it one of the more financially robust news cable assets. Its integration with Peacock and NBCUniversal’s platforms can also help monetize digital viewership, adding modest incremental growth.
Revenue growth or contraction in any given year depends heavily on ad markets, election cycles (which drive political ad spending), and the cable subscription base. Viewership trends and the shift to streaming affect bargaining power in carriage negotiations and ad rates.
Net Worth and Brand Valuation
As of October 2025, the estimated net worth of MSNBC is around $4.5 billion.
Net worth, in the context of a media brand like MSNBC, refers not just to assets minus liabilities, but to brand equity, influence, and the ability to generate future revenue. As a flagship cable news network, MSNBC’s brand value is tied to its key personalities, audience loyalty, and reputation.
Within the broader NBCUniversal umbrella, MSNBC is considered a “tentpole” brand in news. Its contribution to political discourse and audience retention gives it intangible value beyond raw cash flows. In 2025, within internal valuations, its net worth is often estimated at somewhere between $4 billion and $6 billion, factoring in its revenue streams, audience, and strategic importance to NBCUniversal and Comcast’s media strategy.
Context within Comcast and NBCUniversal
MSNBC’s revenue is one component of NBCUniversal’s overall media segment. NBCUniversal, with its studios, theme parks, networks, and streaming business, generates tens of billions in revenue annually.
Comcast’s 2025 first-quarter results showed total revenue of nearly $29.9 billion, with significant contributions from its media division.
In that first quarter, Comcast’s Media Adjusted EBITDA (which includes networks, Peacock, and related media assets) rose 21 percent, driven in part by Peacock’s strong performance. MSNBC, as part of that portfolio, benefits from synergies, shared cost structures, and cross-platform monetization.
Also relevant is the planned spin-off of NBCUniversal’s cable network assets (including MSNBC) into a new entity called Versant. That corporate move suggests that Comcast intends to let the cable network arm (with its $7 billion in network revenues across multiple channels) operate more independently, with its own financial structure and valuation.
This separation could result in more transparent revenue and net worth reporting for MSNBC and its sibling networks.
Brands Owned by MSNBC
MSNBC operates as a focused news network rather than a large holding company, but it still owns and manages several important brands, production units, and editorial properties under its banner. These entities represent the network’s television, digital, audio, and special programming efforts, each contributing to its overall influence and revenue in the media landscape.
Below is a list of the major brands owned by MSNBC as of October 2025:
| Entity / Brand | Type | Description | Key Functions / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSNBC (Cable Network) | Television Network | 24/7 cable news channel | Core linear network; produces live news, opinion shows, breaking news coverage; sells advertising and carriage fees |
| msnbc.com | Digital Brand / Website | Online editorial and video platform | Publishes news articles, video clips, digital originals; monetized via ads and sponsorships |
| In-house Production Teams (MSNBC Studios / Productions) | Production Unit | Internal teams producing shows and specials | Develops flagship shows, documentaries, and long-form content; controls creative and editorial direction |
| Branded Shows and Program Franchises | Intellectual Property | Flagship programs and recurring show brands | Owns IP for shows like The Rachel Maddow Show, All In with Chris Hayes, Morning Joe; allows syndication, licensing, and ancillary content |
| MSNBC Podcasts / Audio Originals | Digital Audio | Network-produced podcasts and audio series | Extends audience reach; monetized via sponsorships and ads; integrates with on-air programming |
| Streaming Channels / Simulcast Feeds | Digital / Streaming | Live simulcast feeds on Peacock and partner platforms | Controls digital distribution; monetizes streaming inventory; experiments with digital-only formats |
| Branded Specials & Documentaries (MSNBC Presents) | Special Programming | One-off investigative or event-based programming | Produced by in-house teams; retains licensing and distribution rights for rebroadcast or licensing |
| Archives & Video Licensing Unit | Media Asset | Editorial archives and clip licensing | Commercializes historic footage; manages permissions and internal reuse of content |
| Digital Social Channels & Mobile Apps | Digital Platforms | Social media presence and mobile app | Drives engagement, advertising, and brand extensions; controlled editorially by MSNBC |
| Talent-led Branded Ventures | Intellectual Property / Co-productions | Projects created with network talent | Podcasts, books, or special series under network ownership; managed within production units |
| Production Partnerships / Co-productions | Project-based Entities | Co-productions with outside producers | MSNBC holds distribution rights or partial ownership on a per-project basis |
MSNBC (the cable network)
MSNBC is the core linear cable news channel that operates 24/7. It produces live news broadcasts, breaking news coverage, and opinion programming. The network owns the rights to its on-air programming, show brands, archival footage produced for its broadcasts, and the trade name “MSNBC” for television distribution and carriage contracts. The cable channel is the primary business unit that sells advertising, negotiates carriage and retransmission fees, and licenses program clips and segments.
msnbc.com and Digital Editorial Brand
MSNBC directly operates a digital editorial brand and companion website under the msnbc.com domain (distinct in operation from NBCNews.com in recent years). This digital arm publishes news articles, video clips, explainers, and editorial content that tie to its on-air programming. The site is an owned-and-operated digital property used for audience engagement, digital advertising, sponsored content, and distribution of short-form video and written journalism.
In-house Production Teams (MSNBC Studios / MSNBC Productions — internal units)
MSNBC runs internal production units that develop, produce, and package both daily and long-form content. These teams create flagship shows, special reports, documentaries, and election coverage. While not always structured as separate outside companies, these in-house production groups control creative development, editorial production, and talent management for MSNBC original programming.
Branded Shows and Program Franchises (intellectual property)
MSNBC directly owns the brands and IP for its flagship programs and franchises. Examples include show brands that have a strong independent identity (program names, formats, segments, and recurring features). Ownership of these program brands allows MSNBC to syndicate clips, license show formats, and create ancillary products like special editions, books, or touring events tied to a show’s brand.
MSNBC Podcasts and Audio Originals
MSNBC operates a portfolio of branded podcasts and audio originals tied to its talent and reporting. These audio properties are produced and distributed by MSNBC’s own audio teams. The podcasts are owned and monetized by MSNBC, used to broaden audience reach, and often repurposed for on-air or streaming use.
Streaming Channels and Simulcast Feeds (owned feeds on partner platforms)
MSNBC directly controls simulcast feeds and branded streaming channels it runs on third-party platforms and on Peacock. These owned feeds carry live programming, curated clips, and exclusive streaming-only shows. Control of these feeds gives MSNBC the rights to monetize streaming inventory and to experiment with digital-only formats under the MSNBC brand.
Branded Specials, Documentaries, and Event Programming (MSNBC Presents)
MSNBC commissions and owns a slate of one-off specials, investigative documentaries, and live event programming under labels often presented as “MSNBC Presents” or similar. These projects are produced by MSNBC’s teams and carry rights, licensing, and distribution terms controlled by the network for future rebroadcast or licensing.
Archives and Video Licensing Unit
MSNBC maintains its own editorial archives and a licensing function that commercializes historic segments, interviews, and produced footage created by the network. This unit handles clip licensing, permissions for third-party uses, and internal archiving for editorial use. The archive is an asset MSNBC controls directly for reuse and monetization.
Digital Social Channels and Brand Extensions
MSNBC owns and operates its branded social media channels, short-form video channels, and mobile app presence. These extensions are editorially controlled by MSNBC and used to distribute content, drive tune-in, and generate advertising and sponsorship revenue attached directly to MSNBC’s brand.
Talent-led Branded Ventures (network-owned deals)
Where MSNBC signs talent to network deals that include ancillary branded ventures (podcasts, special series, or books), the network typically owns or co-owns the resulting content under contractual terms. These talent-led properties are managed within MSNBC’s commercial and production units.
Production Partnerships and Co-productions (operational control vs. ownership)
MSNBC engages in co-productions and partnerships where it co-produces documentaries or series with outside producers. In such cases, MSNBC may hold distribution rights or a share of ownership in the project. However, these are negotiated project-by-project; they do not usually create permanent, separate companies owned by MSNBC.
Final Words
MSNBC has grown from a joint venture in 1996 into a major force in U.S. cable news, combining live reporting, political commentary, and digital content under a unified brand. For those wondering who owns MSNBC, the network is part of NBCUniversal and ultimately owned by Comcast, balancing corporate resources with editorial independence. With its expanding portfolio of shows, podcasts, and branded content, and the strategic 2025 rebranding under MS NOW, MSNBC is well-positioned to maintain its relevance, adapt to changing media landscapes, and continue shaping political discourse for years to come.
FAQs
Who is the real owner of MSNBC?
The real owner of MSNBC is NBCUniversal, which fully controls the network. At the highest level, NBCUniversal is wholly owned by Comcast Corporation, making Comcast the ultimate owner.
Who is the main owner of MSNBC?
The main owner is NBCUniversal News Group, a division of NBCUniversal responsible for MSNBC’s operations, programming, and strategic decisions.
Who is the majority shareholder of MSNBC?
MSNBC is wholly owned by NBCUniversal, so there is no separate minority or public shareholder. Comcast, as the parent company of NBCUniversal, effectively holds 100% control.
What does MSNBC stand for?
MSNBC stands for “Microsoft NBC”, reflecting its origins as a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC when the channel was launched in 1996.
Who is the founder of MSNBC?
MSNBC was founded in 1996 as a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft. Tom Rogers, an NBC executive, was a key figure in developing and launching the network.
Who owns MSNBC now?
As of 2025, MSNBC is owned by NBCUniversal, which is fully controlled by Comcast Corporation. Microsoft no longer has any ownership in the network.
Is MSNBC being sold?
MSNBC is not being sold in the traditional sense. However, in 2025, NBCUniversal’s cable network assets, including MSNBC, are being restructured under a new independent entity called Versant, as part of Comcast’s strategic reorganization.
Is MSNBC owned by Microsoft?
No. Microsoft was a co-owner at launch in 1996 but sold its stake by 2005. MSNBC is now fully owned by NBCUniversal.
Is MSNBC left or right wing?
MSNBC is widely considered left-leaning in its editorial stance, particularly in primetime political commentary and opinion programming. Its daytime news coverage is more neutral.
Are MSNBC and CNN owned by the same company?
No. MSNBC is owned by NBCUniversal/Comcast, while CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. They are separate corporate entities.
Did Elon Musk buy MSNBC?
No. Elon Musk has no ownership stake in MSNBC. The network remains under NBCUniversal and Comcast.
Why is MSNBC changing its name?
In 2025, MSNBC is undergoing a rebranding to MS NOW as part of NBCUniversal’s restructuring and the formation of Versant, an independent entity for cable networks. The change is aimed at modernizing the brand and expanding digital and streaming offerings.
Why is MSNBC separating from NBC?
MSNBC is not fully separating from NBC; it is part of NBCUniversal’s cable network spin-off under Versant, which will operate networks like MSNBC independently for strategic and financial flexibility, while still under Comcast’s ultimate ownership.
Who is the head of MSNBC?
The current head of MSNBC is Rashida Jones, who serves as President of the network. She oversees programming, editorial decisions, and operational strategy.