The mainstream media can’t catch a win. They only have themselves to blame.
Now MSNBC’s headquarters went up in flames after President Trump devastated them.
Trump Comments on MSNBC’s Rebrand to MS NOW, Links It to Ratings and Comcast Spinoff
President Donald Trump commented on MSNBC’s upcoming name change to MS NOW, short for My Source News Opinion World, during a Friday tour of The People’s House, a museum and gift shop near the White House.
Trump attributed the rebrand, part of Comcast’s spinoff of its cable networks into a new company called Versant, to the network’s poor performance and desire to distance itself from its “fake news” reputation.
“They changed their name now because they were so bad,” Trump told reporters, criticizing Comcast CEO Brian Roberts as a “terrible manager” and calling the company “Con-cast.”
The rebrand, announced on August 18, will see MSNBC drop the NBC peacock logo and establish a distinct identity, a move prompted by NBCUniversal’s decision to retain the NBC brand for its own assets, per The Wall Street Journal.
Rebrand Context and Reactions
MSNBC, known for its progressive commentary from hosts like Rachel Maddow and Nicolle Wallace, has faced declining viewership, with primetime audiences dropping by more than 50% since the 2024 election, according to Fox News.
The network’s rebrand to MS NOW aims to maintain its editorial focus while building an independent news division, with recent hires including journalists from The Washington Post and Politico, per PBS News.
Trump, who has frequently targeted MSNBC, reiterated his criticism on Truth Social, stating the name change reflects the network’s attempt to “get away from the stench of their fake news product,” and described Comcast’s efforts as “hopelessly flailing.”
The rebrand has drawn mixed reactions, with MSNBC leadership, including President Rebecca Kutler, emphasizing continuity in mission, while social media users and commentators, including former host Keith Olbermann, mocked the new name as reminiscent of failed software or a disease fundraiser.
Broader Media Landscape
Trump also referenced other media changes, praising the $8 billion merger of CBS’s parent company, Paramount, with Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, whom he called a “great person.”
He highlighted his recent $16 million settlement with CBS over a deceptively edited 60 Minutes interview, suggesting the media landscape is improving as outlets lose credibility.
Comcast’s spinoff, announced in November 2024, includes other networks like CNBC, USA, and E!, with only CNBC retaining its name, per The New York Times.
While MSNBC’s leadership insists the rebrand will not alter its commitment to progressive audiences, the move reflects strategic efforts to navigate a declining cable market and clarify its separation from NBC News, amid ongoing scrutiny from Trump and his supporters.
