MSNBC Rebrands as MS.NOW: A New Digital Era
▼ Summary
– MSNBC has changed its name to MS NOW and launched a new website at ms.now with a similar layout but updated design.
– The rebranding is part of MS NOW’s separation from NBC News, initiated by Comcast’s decision to spin off its cable channels.
– MS NOW was unable to acquire the msnow.com domain, which is currently used for a site about motorized snow vehicles.
– The organization is using the .now domain extension, which became available for purchase approximately one year ago.
– The “MS” in MS NOW no longer stands for Microsoft but now represents “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.”
MSNBC has officially launched its new digital identity as MS NOW, marking a significant step in its evolution as an independent news organization. The network’s rebranding includes a fresh website domain, ms.now, which went live recently. While the site’s overall structure remains familiar to longtime visitors, it now sports a modernized design and prominently features the new MS NOW flag logo, replacing the iconic MSNBC peacock that had been a staple for years.
This digital transformation coincides with the establishment of MS NOW’s independent newsroom, a process that began last October as part of its separation from NBC News. The move stems from a strategic decision by its parent company, Comcast, to spin off its cable channels. By adopting the new domain and visual identity, MS NOW is severing one of its most visible historical links to the NBC network, firmly establishing its own brand in the media landscape.
Interestingly, the network appears to have missed the chance to secure the more conventional msnow.com web address. That particular domain is currently held by a largely blank page related to motorized snow vehicles. The availability of the newer .now domain extension, which became available for purchase approximately a year ago, provided a practical alternative for the news outlet.
It is noteworthy that the “MS” prefix has been retained in the new name, even though Microsoft divested its stake in the venture more than a decade ago. The acronym no longer represents its original corporate partner. Instead, the network has redefined the initials to stand for “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World,” signaling a renewed focus on its core mission as a comprehensive news provider for a global audience.
(Source: The Verge)
