By Mark Mwachiro
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MSNBC’s dependence on NBC News’ newsgathering resources will begin to wind down starting Oct. 6.
Scott Matthews, the network’s svp of newsgathering, shared the information with staffers in an internal note obtained by TVNewser. The note highlights key dates as the network works to separate itself from the NBCUniversal News Group, joining Versant and taking the name MS NOW, which stands for My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 6, MSNBC will no longer be relying on NBC News correspondents or crews for domestic or international coverage. The only exception to this will be D.C.-based coverage, which the network says will continue for two more weeks until Oct. 19.
On Monday, Oct. 20, MSNBC will be fully independent and using its own resources for news coverage. It and CNBC staffers will also no longer join and/or participate in NBC News editorial calls and meetings.
Matthews also noted that other operational changes, beginning Oct. 6, include the network using its own standards guidance and its D.C.-based crew moving into its new offices, joining their CNBC colleagues one floor above NBC News.
This staggered separation of talent and resources enables MSNBC to refine its operations and iron out the kinks ahead of its official separation from the NBCUniversal News Group.
Variety reports that MSNBC, CNBC, and Comcast’s linear network portfolio (minus NBC, Bravo, and Telemundo) will officially become Versant beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
In addition, MSNBC will switch over to its new name, MS NOW, beginning in November, with the network no longer using the peacock branding. This will also be the same time when it starts broadcasting its shows from its temporary new facilities, which were previously the BuzzFeed News offices.
Accompanying the name change is a new logo for MS NOW, which drops the peacock logo but retains the red and blue colors that have become synonymous with the network.
When the new name and logo were announced in August, Versant CEO Mark Lazarus said that the “new name underscores the brand’s mission to serve as the destination for domestic and international breaking news and the best-in-class opinion journalism.”
MSNBC has undergone several changes since the announcement of its separation, including the departure of former network head Rashida Jones, the appointment of current president Rebecca Kutler, and a new programming lineup that has impacted both weekday and weekend schedules.
In addition, it has expanded its on-air and off-air rosters, with TVNewser keeping a running list of who is staying with MSNBC or NBC News.
