MSNBC is an American news and opinion-based cable and satellite television network that is owned by NBCUniversal News Group, a unit of the NBCUniversal Television Group division of NBCUniversal. MSNBC is based in New York City, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Chicago. MSNBC is known for its left-leaning political coverage and commentary, and is available in more than 90 million households in the United States and Canada.
History
MSNBC was launched on July 15, 1996, as a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft, the latter of which would own a minority stake in the network. The network was initially branded as “A Microsoft-NBC Service” and was initially based at the NBC studios in New Jersey. The network’s name was changed to MSNBC in July 1997, and its first primetime show, The Big Show with Keith Olbermann, debuted in September 1997.
MSNBC’s programming initially focused on news coverage and analysis, and was anchored by the network’s flagship program, The News with Brian Williams. In 2003, the network launched its first primetime news program, Hardball with Chris Matthews. In 2005, MSNBC began to focus more on opinion and analysis, and launched a new primetime lineup that included Countdown with Keith Olbermann, The Rachel Maddow Show, and The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.
In 2008, NBC merged with Universal Studios, and MSNBC was placed under the control of the NBCUniversal News Group. The network began to focus more on political news and opinion, and launched a new primetime lineup that included The Ed Show, Morning Joe, and The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.
In 2010, MSNBC underwent a major rebranding, which included a new logo and slogan (“Lean Forward”). The network also launched a new primetime lineup that included The Rachel Maddow Show, Hardball with Chris Matthews, and All In with Chris Hayes.
Programming
MSNBC primarily broadcasts news, opinion, and analysis programming during the daytime hours, and opinion and entertainment programming in the evening. The network’s daytime programming consists of news programming, including Morning Joe, The Rachel Maddow Show, and The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell; and opinion programming, including Hardball with Chris Matthews and All In with Chris Hayes.
In the evening, MSNBC broadcasts opinion and entertainment programming, including The 11th Hour with Brian Williams, The Beat with Ari Melber, and The ReidOut with Joy Reid. The network also broadcasts a variety of special programming, including documentaries, town halls, and election coverage.
Personalities
MSNBC is home to a number of well-known personalities, including:
Brian Williams: Anchor of The 11th Hour with Brian Williams.
Rachel Maddow: Host of The Rachel Maddow Show.
Chris Matthews: Host of Hardball with Chris Matthews.
Lawrence O’Donnell: Host of The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.
Chris Hayes: Host of All In with Chris Hayes.
Joe Scarborough: Co-host of Morning Joe.
Mika Brzezinski: Co-host of Morning Joe.
Ari Melber: Host of The Beat with Ari Melber.
Joy Reid: Host of The ReidOut.
Conclusion
MSNBC is an American news and opinion-based cable and satellite television network that is owned by NBCUniversal News Group. MSNBC is known for its left-leaning political coverage and commentary, and is available in more than 90 million households in the United States and Canada. The network broadcasts a variety of news, opinion, and entertainment programming, and is home to a number of well-known personalities, including Brian Williams, Rachel Maddow, Chris Matthews, Lawrence O’Donnell, Chris Hayes, Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Ari Melber, and Joy Reid.
