Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Steve Kornacki Transitions to Expanded Role at NBC News and NBC Sports
Steve Kornacki, the esteemed data analyst celebrated for his dynamic and insightful breakdowns of polling statistics and election results on MSNBC, is embarking on a new phase of his career. Kornacki will be stepping back from his prominent role at the left-leaning cable channel after finalizing a fresh agreement with NBC. This updated contract will see him assuming expanded roles across both the news and sports divisions of the broader network.
Having risen to national prominence during the high-pressure, extended coverage of the 2020 presidential election, Kornacki is set to lessen his regular presence on MSNBC. This adjustment occurs as the network navigates a period of significant restructuring ahead of Comcast’s anticipated divestiture of its cable holdings.
Official Title and New Responsibilities
According to an NBC spokesperson’s confirmation to Deadline, Kornacki’s official title under the new agreement will be contributor and chief data analyst for both NBC News and NBC Sports. This appointment reflects a broader scope of responsibilities within the NBCUniversal media organization.
Kornacki’s Tenure and Popularity at MSNBC
Since joining MSNBC in 2012, Kornacki has become an essential figure during election cycles. He is particularly lauded for his energetic analysis of polling trends and intricate voting patterns. His detailed on-air explanations, often delivered with characteristic enthusiasm and rolled-up sleeves, have resonated strongly with viewers. This has solidified his popularity and garnered him recognition, including being named one of People magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2020.
MSNBC Restructuring and Network Adjustments
This shift in Kornacki’s on-air duties is unfolding amidst substantial transformations at MSNBC. The network is preparing for its future as an independent news channel, following Comcast’s earlier announcement about spinning off its cable assets into a separate entity. This organizational evolution has spurred wider changes in MSNBC’s programming and operational structure.
Program Schedule Overhauls and Staff Changes
Earlier in the year, MSNBC initiated a significant restructuring initiative that led to workforce reductions and the discontinuation of several programs. Notably, “The ReidOut,” hosted by Joy Reid, was canceled, resulting in the termination of most staff members associated with the show. Similarly, “Alex Wagner Tonight” was also canceled, and Alex Wagner was reassigned to the role of senior political correspondent. These decisions form part of a comprehensive strategy to revamp the network’s primetime lineup, which will now be anchored by Rachel Maddow, hosting a weekly show, and former Biden spokesperson Jen Psaki.
Further Programming Realignment
The network’s programming realignment also impacted other shows, including those hosted by Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, Ayman Mohyeldin, and José Díaz-Balart. The cancellation of these programs resulted in layoffs for their respective production teams. Affected employees were offered the choice to apply for different positions within MSNBC or to accept severance packages. In a preceding leadership transition, Rashida Jones resigned from her position as president of MSNBC in January, and Rebecca Kutler was appointed as her successor in February, during preparations for the network’s separation from Comcast.
Comcast’s Broader Strategy and MSNBC’s Position
The spinoff aligns with Comcast’s overarching strategy to optimize its business operations and increase focus on its broadband internet services. This strategic direction comes as the traditional cable television subscriber base continues to diminish. As MSNBC progresses toward independence, the network has been actively investing in its own news gathering and reporting capabilities. It recently announced plans to recruit over 100 additional journalists to bolster its original news programming.
MSNBC Ratings Performance
MSNBC has consistently maintained its position as the second-highest-rated cable news network, positioned behind Fox News but ahead of CNN in numerous dayparts. Nonetheless, the network has observed a decrease in its viewership in recent months. Following the 2024 presidential election, MSNBC experienced a marked decline in ratings. Primetime viewership decreased by 57% between Election Day and the close of December. “The Rachel Maddow Show” also recorded a 22% decrease in total viewership and a 29% decline among adults aged 25-54 since the 2024 election.