Data guru Steve Kornacki, known for his khaki-clad election night analysis and widespread appeal across political lines, marks a significant departure from MSNBC's lineup.
According to Daily Mail, the 45-year-old broadcaster will remain with NBC News as the network undergoes a major restructuring that separates it from MSNBC, focusing his talents on shows like Meet the Press, Today, and NBC Nightly News.
The move comes as part of a broader reorganization where MSNBC and NBC News will operate as separate entities. Kornacki's decision to stick with NBC News arrives during a period of significant changes at both networks, including high-profile departures and programming shifts.
The network recently underwent substantial programming changes under new leadership. Rebecca Kutler, who replaced Rashida Jones as network president, has overseen several major shifts in the lineup.
Joy Reid's show The ReidOut was canceled in February, marking a significant programming change. The decision affected other hosts of color, including Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, and Ayman Mohyeldin, though the latter two will transition to different shows within the network.
Rachel Maddow, MSNBC's marquee star, publicly criticized management's decisions, particularly regarding Reid's departure. She expressed concern about the impact on diversity at the network.
NBC News has experienced its own series of departures from prominent positions. Lester Holt announced his stepping down from Nightly News while maintaining his role at Dateline.
Chuck Todd departed Meet the Press in January, taking his successful podcast with him. Additionally, Hoda Kotb left her position at Today after a 26-year career with NBC News, though she remains with the network in an unspecified capacity.
The network restructuring involves the creation of SpinCo, which will oversee MSNBC and CNBC operations. Under this arrangement, both networks will need to generate their own news content independently from NBC News resources.
Kornacki's popularity surged during the 2020 election coverage, where his detailed data analysis and enthusiastic delivery earned him fans across the political spectrum. His role expanded to include sports coverage in 2021, analyzing statistics for events like the Triple Crown races and the Olympics.
In his new position as NBC's chief data analyst, Kornacki will continue providing statistical insights across various platforms, including NBC News Now streaming service. His approach to data presentation has garnered praise for its objectivity and accessibility.
Steve Kornacki's move to NBC News represents a significant shift in the television news media landscape. The decision comes as MSNBC undergoes major structural changes and programming adjustments under new leadership.
The restructuring will result in MSNBC operating independently from NBC News resources, while Kornacki continues his data analysis work across NBC's various platforms. These changes reflect broader transformations in how news organizations adapt to evolving media consumption patterns and audience preferences.
