Steve Kornacki, known for his detailed election night analysis on MSNBC, plans to leave the network as it prepares to separate from NBCUniversal.
The 45-year-old analyst has signed a new contract with NBC News and NBC Sports, where he will broaden his role as a contributor and chief data analyst, according to several media outlets.
Kornacki’s exit occurs as MSNBC is set to join CNBC in forming a new standalone entity named “SpinCo,” separating from NBCUniversal.
In his new position, Kornacki will frequently appear on NBC News shows like “Meet the Press,” “Today,” and “NBC Nightly News,” along with the streaming service NBC News Now. He will also continue his sports analysis for major NBC events such as the Triple Crown, the Olympics, and NFL coverage.
“The move suggests NBCUniversal is evaluating its employee roster and determining the best platforms for its talent as it prepares to spin off the bulk of its cable networks into a new stand-alone entity,” Variety reported.
Kornacki has gained popularity across political spectrums due to his data-driven political analysis, which does not disclose his personal political views.
He became widely recognized during the 2020 presidential election for his dynamic breakdowns of voting data. Kornacki expanded his role to include sports analysis in 2021 and continued his political coverage through the 2024 election.
The timing of Kornacki’s leave coincides with a turbulent period for MSNBC, which saw a 57% decline in primetime viewership from Election Day 2024 to year’s end.
The network has recently made significant programming changes, including the termination of progressive host Joy Reid in February. Her 7 p.m. show, “The ReidOut,” was canceled on February 24, described by media as a “programming bloodbath.”
At the time of Reid’s departure, MSNBC’s prominent host Rachel Maddow criticized management’s choice, stating, “I think it is a bad mistake to let [Reid] walk out the door.” Maddow also voiced concerns about the diversity of the hosts losing their programs.
Other hosts like Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, and Ayman Mohyeldin also lost their shows, although Capehart and Mohyeldin are expected to transition to new roles within the network.
These changes are taking place under the leadership of new president Rebecca Kutler, who succeeded Rashida Jones last month. Jones was the first Black woman to lead a major news network for three years.
MSNBC is heavily investing in its news operations in preparation for the spinoff, with plans to hire over 100 journalists and search for new office and studio locations.
Newly appointed Senior Vice President Scott Matthews will oversee the deployment of MSNBC’s new programming later this month. Without Kornacki, the network loses one of its most recognizable and respected figures.
The impending separation of MSNBC and NBCUniversal means that MSNBC and CNBC “will soon be tasked with gathering their own news and content, without help from NBCU-owned assets like NBC News.”
Kornacki’s decision to join NBC News instead of staying with MSNBC reflects a significant change in the television news sector as talent aligns itself ahead of corporate restructuring.
His departure follows other notable exits from NBC News, including Lester Holt stepping down from “NBC Nightly News” while remaining with “Dateline,” and Chuck Todd leaving “Meet the Press” in January.
The “SpinCo” spinoff is expected to be finalized later this year, potentially altering the cable news landscape as MSNBC and CNBC establish themselves as independent entities.
