President Donald Trump has voiced strong criticism of MSNBC’s recent rebranding to MS NOW, labeling the network as a ‘failure by any name’ on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump accused the network of underperforming in ratings and attempting to dissociate from its ‘fake news’ label. The name change is part of a larger restructuring under Comcast’s management, with the NBCUniversal cable networks division being spun off.
MSNBC’s rebranding, MS NOW, is intended to reduce brand confusion and emphasize a progressive focus, while maintaining its commitment to holding political figures accountable. The move has drawn mixed reactions, with some criticizing the new name as unappealing and comparing it to a failed software product. The restructuring process also involves several other NBC brands, including CNBC, USA, Oxygen, and E!, with CNBC retaining its name but adopting a new logo. The NBCUniversal News Group will now consist solely of NBC News, the NBC News Now streaming service, Telemundo, and owned-and-operated local stations.
Mark Lazarus, who will helm the new entity, stated that the rebranding aims to clarify the network’s identity in the market. Despite the restructuring, MSNBC maintains its commitment to its audience and plans to introduce new ways to engage with them in the coming months. Trump’s criticism has intensified with his recent comments about MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace, predicting her imminent firing due to poor ratings and a perceived lack of credibility. This has highlighted the tensions within the media landscape regarding political alignment and journalistic integrity.
Industry observers note that the rebranding reflects broader strategic shifts in the media sector, where networks are increasingly focusing on digital platforms and targeted content. However, Trump’s public denunciations underscore the ongoing political tensions and the role of media in shaping public perception. The spinoff and rebranding efforts also signify a significant shift in the management and operational structure of NBCUniversal, with implications for its future direction and market position.