On Thursday, during Versant’s first investor day, the company shared new information about its news networks MS NOW and CNBC.
Led by CEO Mark Lazarus, Versant announced a significant investment in MS NOW’s digital presence, with the news network launching a direct-to-consumer product in the summer of 2026.
Touted as a one-of-a-kind DTC product, MS NOW says it will be leveraging deep fan affinity while leaning into its progressive fandom. According to the company, the new platform will be centered around community, membership, and democracy. It will be the one place where its audiences can consume like-minded content, join a community, and gain unprecedented access to their favorite hosts and journalists.
Among its features, the membership option enables existing audiences and those without pay-TV access to tune in to the linear network. In addition, viewers can connect with fans and talent through interactive capabilities.
During the investor day presentation, MS NOW’s president, Rebecca Kutler, remarked that, “In MS NOW’s 30-year history, there has never been a serious investment in digital.” She added that the network’s audience “has never been given the chance to engage with a direct-to-consumer product that is built for them.”
Meanwhile, Versant’s business news network, CNBC, will soon join its sister network, MS NOW, in dropping the peacock branding belonging to its soon-to-be former corporate sibling.
Starting Saturday, December 13, the network will debut a refreshed logo that goes live across all CNBC platforms and is described as “a more modern look that simplifies the design while keeping its identity familiar and timeless.”
Designed in-house by one of the network’s senior designers, the new logo incorporates an arrow symbol familiar to regular viewers, which the network uses as part of its on-air graphic package to indicate positive or negative movement in the business market.
Speaking at the investor day, CNBC president KC Sullivan said of the new logo, “It’s a symbol of the direction where we’re headed and the exciting new chapter we’re headed into.”
