Is MSNBC Left Or Right Wing? Here's Why They Are Changing Their Name And Logo

MSNBC, a mainstay of American cable news for nearly three decades, is undergoing a significant transformation.

The network in a release on the website said that they will take up a new identity, 'My Source News Opinion World, or MS NOW.' Alongside the rebrand comes a fresh logo and a separation from NBCUniversal, signalling the network's new chapter under a separate media group, Versant.

Meanwhile, the announcement has triggered debate both inside the company and among viewers. As employees digest what the changes could mean, questions about MSNBC's political identity and the future of its content have once again taken centre stage.

Is MSNBC Left or Right-Wing?

For years, MSNBC has positioned itself as a left-leaning news outlet. It has a reputation for its progressive coverage, particularly in its primetime programming. Anchors like Rachel Maddow, Nicolle Wallace, and Lawrence O'Donnell have become synonymous with liberal commentary and analysis.

Following the 2016 US election, studies, including those by Pew Research, observed that MSNBC had moved further to the left, increasingly offering opinion-driven content. While NBC News continues to pursue a centrist editorial direction, MSNBC has leaned into its liberal brand, becoming a go-to source for viewers with progressive viewpoints.

In that context, the rebrand has raised eyebrows. Some wonder whether a new name and logo could signal a political shift or an attempt to broaden the network's appeal.

Why the Name Change And Why Now?

According to reports, the rebrand coincides with MSNBC's upcoming spin-off from NBCUniversal into a new media company called Versant, which also owns CNBC, Golf Channel, and other assets.

As part of this corporate reshuffling, MSNBC is dropping the 'NBC' from its name, which is, in fact, a symbolic move that network executives say reflects greater independence.

MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler assured staff in a recent internal memo that the network's editorial stance is not changing. 'While the name will be different, the brand's commitment to its audience will not change,' she said. 'This was not a decision that was made quickly or without significant debate.'

The change from Microsoft-NBC to My Source News Opinion World may sound like a major departure, but according to experts, it also reflects how the brand has evolved. Microsoft divested from MSNBC in 2005, yet the 'MS' initials remained. Now, 'My Source' is meant to reassert the network's role as a direct, personal news source.

The Rebrand is Receiving Mixed Reactions

According to reports, not everyone in the MSNBC building is cheering for the change. While high-profile hosts like Joe Scarborough and Rachel Maddow have publicly supported the rebrand, describing it as a moment of growth and competition with NBC News, reactions from rank-and-file employees have been more nuanced.

As per a report from Business Insider, some employees described the new look as "conservative," especially in contrast to the previous logo featuring the colourful NBC peacock. Others questioned the clarity of the name itself, with one employee joking that 'NOW' makes it sound like a streaming service.

Media branding experts have also weighed in. Chris Rosica, a communications consultant, pointed out that the strong red elements in the new logo draw immediate attention. 'Your eye is drawn to the red.'

Meanwhile, some longtime viewers are simply wondering if the change is necessary at all.

While the name MS NOW may take time to catch on, media consultants say the rebrand could be effective in the long term. Hernan Lopez, founder of media firm Owl & Co., sees the change as a smart move. 'Going from five syllables to three is a win,' he said.

For now, MSNBC, or we should say MS NOW, insists that its progressive roots remain firmly in place.