Steve Kornacki, renowned for his data analysis during election nights on MSNBC, is set to leave the network as it prepares to separate from NBCUniversal.
The 45-year-old has entered into a new agreement with NBC News and NBC Sports, expanding his role as a contributor and chief data analyst, according to various reports.
Kornacki’s exit occurs as MSNBC transitions to a new independent entity named “SpinCo,” alongside CNBC, detaching from its current parent company, NBCUniversal.
Within this new framework, Kornacki will frequently appear on NBC News programs such as “Meet the Press,” “Today,” and “NBC Nightly News,” as well as NBC News Now, the network’s streaming channel. He will also continue as a sports analyst for major NBC events like the Triple Crown, the Olympics, and NFL coverage.
According to Variety, “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.”
Kornacki has gained popularity with audiences across the political spectrum, largely due to his impartial, data-driven approach to political analysis.
His popularity skyrocketed during the 2020 presidential election, where his dynamic presentation of voting results made him a viral sensation. He transitioned into sports coverage in 2021 while continuing his political analysis through the 2024 election.
Kornacki’s departure coincides with a turbulent period for MSNBC, which has seen a 57% decline in primetime viewership following the 2024 presidential election.
In recent months, MSNBC has undergone significant programming changes, including the termination of progressive host Joy Reid. Her 7 p.m. show “The ReidOut” was canceled in February as part of what reports described as a “programming bloodbath.”
Rachel Maddow, a prominent MSNBC figure, publicly criticized the decision to let Reid go, stating, “I think it is a bad mistake to let [Reid] walk out the door,” and expressed concerns about diversity among the affected hosts.
Other hosts like Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, and Ayman Mohyeldin also lost their programs, although Capehart and Mohyeldin are expected to transition to new roles within the network.
Rebecca Kutler, the newly appointed president of MSNBC, has been implementing these changes. She succeeded Rashida Jones, who was the first Black woman to lead a major news station.
MSNBC is heavily investing in its newsgathering operations ahead of the spinoff and plans to hire over 100 journalists while seeking new office and studio spaces.
Scott Matthews, the newly appointed Senior Vice President, will oversee the launch of MSNBC’s new lineup later this month. Kornacki’s absence will mark a significant loss for the network.
The separation from NBCUniversal will require MSNBC and CNBC to independently source news and content, without relying on NBC News resources.
Kornacki’s decision to align with NBC News instead of staying with MSNBC indicates a shift in the media landscape amid corporate restructuring.
His departure follows other notable exits, including Lester Holt stepping down from “NBC Nightly News” and Chuck Todd leaving “Meet the Press.”
The “SpinCo” agreement is expected to be finalized later this year, potentially reshaping the cable news industry as MSNBC and CNBC establish themselves as independent entities.