Steve Kornacki, known for his energetic election night data analysis on MSNBC, is departing the network as it prepares to separate from NBCUniversal. According to reports, Kornacki, recognizable for his khaki pants and data-driven approach, will transition to a new position within NBC News and NBC Sports.
The 45-year-old analyst has signed an agreement to broaden his role as a contributor and chief data analyst across NBC’s news and sports divisions. This change comes as MSNBC plans to become part of a new independent entity called SpinCo, along with CNBC, separating from NBCUniversal.
Under his new role, Kornacki will feature regularly on NBC News programs such as “Meet the Press,” “Today,” and “NBC Nightly News,” including NBC News Now, the network’s streaming channel. He will continue his sports analysis for events like the Triple Crown, the Olympics, and NFL coverage.
Variety reports that this move indicates NBCUniversal’s strategic evaluation of its talent and the platforms that best suit them ahead of its cable network spin-off. Kornacki’s departure coincides with MSNBC’s major changes, as the network has faced declining ratings since the 2024 presidential election.
Kornacki gained prominence during the 2020 presidential election with his dynamic presentations of voting results. He expanded into sports coverage in 2021 and continued his political analysis through the 2024 election cycle.
In recent months, MSNBC has made significant programming changes, including removing progressive host Joy Reid and her “The ReidOut” show in February. The network also saw the departure of other hosts like Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, and Ayman Mohyeldin, with Capehart and Mohyeldin expected to transition to new shows.
Rachel Maddow publicly criticized the decision to let Reid go, expressing her disapproval on-air while highlighting concerns about the impact on hosts of color. MSNBC’s restructuring is being led by newly appointed President Rebecca Kutler, who succeeded Rashida Jones last month.
MSNBC is investing in its newsgathering capabilities ahead of the spinoff, planning to hire over 100 journalists and search for new office and studio spaces. The newly appointed Senior Vice President Scott Matthews will oversee the network’s new lineup rollout.
The separation from NBCUniversal means that MSNBC and CNBC will independently produce their news and content without support from NBCU-owned resources like NBC News. Kornacki’s shift to NBC News is significant as talent aligns with different sides amid corporate restructuring.
This move follows other high-profile exits at NBC News, including Lester Holt stepping down from “NBC Nightly News” and Chuck Todd leaving “Meet the Press” earlier this year. The “SpinCo” spinoff is expected to conclude later this year, potentially altering the cable news environment as MSNBC and CNBC operate as independent entities.
