Who Owns MSNBC?
MSNBC is in the process of being spun off from Comcast's NBCUniversal into a new independent media company called Versant in 2026. As part of this transition, MSNBC is rebranding to MS Now (My Source News Opinion World). Comcast is publicly traded on NASDAQ under CMCSA and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Parent Company
Comcast Corporation
Acquired
2011
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
New York City, New York, USA
Who Owns MSNBC?
- Parent Company: Comcast Corporation
- Ownership Type: Subsidiary
- Acquisition Year: 2011
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: CMCSA
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| MSNBC | Comcast Corporation | Subsidiary |
History of MSNBC
- Founded: 1996
- Founders: NBC, Microsoft
- Acquired by Comcast Corporation: 2011
MSNBC was founded in 1996 as a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft, launching as a cable news network with a focus on business and technology news. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, MSNBC developed a diverse programming schedule including news coverage, analysis, and opinion programming. The network established itself as a major player in cable news.
In the 2000s and 2010s, MSNBC evolved its programming strategy, focusing on opinion-based news and analysis programming. The network developed popular opinion shows and established itself as a distinctive voice in cable news, competing with CNN and Fox News.
Under Comcast ownership through NBCUniversal, MSNBC continued to expand its programming and invest in original content. In the 2020s, under new leadership, MSNBC began reducing its reliance on NBC News personalities and expanded its own newsgathering resources.
In August 2025, MSNBC announced it would rebrand to MS Now as part of Comcast's plan to spin off most of NBCUniversal's cable networks into a new company called Versant. The spinoff, which also includes CNBC, USA Network, and other cable channels, is expected to be completed in 2026, at which point MS Now will operate as part of Versant rather than NBCUniversal.
About Comcast Corporation
Who owns Comcast?
Comcast is a publicly traded company with no parent company. Brian L. Roberts, son of founder Ralph J. Roberts, serves as Chairman and CEO and holds Class B shares with enhanced voting rights. The company trades on NASDAQ under CMCSA.
Is Comcast publicly traded?
Yes. Comcast trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol CMCSA. The company is a component of the S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100.
What is SpinCo?
In January 2025, Comcast announced plans to spin off most of its cable television networks, including MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo, USA Network, E!, Syfy, and Oxygen, into a separate publicly traded company referred to as SpinCo. Comcast will retain NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, Universal Pictures, and the theme park businesses.
What does Comcast own?
Comcast owns Xfinity (U.S. broadband and cable), NBCUniversal (NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, Universal Pictures, Universal Studios theme parks, and cable networks), and Sky (European telecommunications and media in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Italy).
When was Comcast founded?
Comcast was founded in 1963 as American Cable Systems by Ralph J. Roberts, Daniel Aaron, and Julian A. Brodsky. The company was renamed Comcast Corporation in 1969.
- Founded: 1963
- Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NASDAQ: CMCSA
Where Is MSNBC Made / Based?
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States
Brands Owned by Comcast Corporation
- Bravo - American cable television network owned by Comcast Corporation's NBCUniversal di...
- CNBC - American cable business and financial news network owned by Comcast Corporation'...
- NBC - American commercial broadcast television network and flagship property of Comcas...
- Peacock - Streaming platform owned by NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, l...
- Sky - European telecommunications and media company owned by Comcast Corporation, prov...
- Telemundo - Spanish-language television network owned by Comcast Corporation's NBCUniversal ...
- Universal Pictures - American film production and distribution company owned by Comcast Corporation's...
- USA Network - American cable television network owned by Comcast Corporation's NBCUniversal di...
- Xfinity - American telecommunications brand providing cable television, high-speed interne...
MSNBC Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Major cable news network with significant audience reach
- +Strong news division with established journalists and analysts
- +Opinion programming with distinctive voice in cable news
- +Integration with NBC's news operations and resources
- +Backed by Comcast's financial resources and media infrastructure
Considerations
- -Intense competition from CNN, Fox News, and other cable news networks
- -Declining traditional cable viewership due to cord-cutting
- -Regulatory scrutiny over news content and media concentration
- -Challenges in maintaining journalistic credibility while offering opinion programming
- -Balance between traditional cable and digital news distribution
Frequently Asked Questions About MSNBC
Where to Buy
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MSNBC on AmazonCompetitors to MSNBC
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | USA | 2007 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Paramount Global | USA | 1927 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Fox | USA | 1994 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Disney | USA | 1939 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Amazon | USA | 1924 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Paramount Global | USA (studio) | 1912 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Apple TV
Owned by Apple Inc.
Digital media player and streaming service developed by Apple Inc., offering access to movies, TV shows, and original content through Apple TV+ and other streaming apps.
CBS
Owned by Paramount Global
American commercial broadcast television network and flagship property of Paramount Global's CBS Entertainment Group.
Fox Sports
Owned by Fox Corporation
American cable sports network and broadcasting division offering live sports programming, analysis, and coverage of major sporting events.
Marvel
Owned by The Walt Disney Company
American entertainment company owned by The Walt Disney Company, known for superhero films, television series, and comic book characters.
MGM
Owned by Amazon.com Inc.
American film and television production company known for iconic film franchises, television content, and entertainment properties.
Paramount
Owned by Paramount Global
American film and television studio founded in 1912, flagship brand of Paramount Global, which merged with Skydance Media in a transaction completed in January 2025.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: MSNBC competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Comcast Corporation Stock Information
Jobs at Comcast Corporation
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