Steve Kornacki, recognized for his work as an election night data analyst on MSNBC, is departing the network as it prepares to separate from NBCUniversal. Known for his khaki pants and data analysis, Kornacki will be joining NBC News and NBC Sports under a new contract, broadening his responsibilities as a contributor and chief data analyst, according to various media outlets.
The 45-year-old broadcaster’s exit coincides with a key transition for MSNBC, which is set to join CNBC in forming a new independent company named “SpinCo,” distinct from NBCUniversal. Kornacki will be featured regularly on NBC News programs such as “Meet the Press,” “Today,” and “NBC Nightly News,” and will appear on NBC News Now, the network’s streaming service. Additionally, he will continue his role as a sports analyst for NBC, covering events like the Triple Crown horse races, the Olympics, and NFL games.
Variety reported that Kornacki’s move indicates NBCUniversal’s strategic evaluation of its talent as it plans to spin off its cable networks into a stand-alone entity.
Kornacki has gained popularity with viewers across the political spectrum due to his analytical approach to political coverage that remains neutral. His profile rose during the 2020 presidential election when his detailed voting result analyses gained significant attention. He expanded his role to include sports coverage in 2021 and continued his political analysis through the 2024 election cycle.
The timing of Kornacki’s departure aligns with significant changes at MSNBC, which has seen a substantial ratings decline since the 2024 presidential election. Ratings fell by 57% from Election Day through the end of 2024. In addition, the network has made notable programming changes, including the dismissal of progressive host Joy Reid in February. Reid’s show, “The ReidOut,” was canceled as part of these changes.
Rachel Maddow, a leading figure at MSNBC, publicly criticized the decision to let Reid go, stating, “I think it is a bad mistake to let [Reid] walk out the door.” She also expressed concerns regarding diversity following these programming decisions, as several hosts, including 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.
Rebecca Kutler, the new president of MSNBC, has taken over from Rashida Jones, who was the first Black woman to lead a major news network. Under Kutler’s leadership, MSNBC is investing in expanding its news operations by hiring over 100 journalists and searching for new office and studio spaces.
Scott Matthews, the newly appointed Senior Vice President, will oversee the introduction of MSNBC’s refreshed programming lineup. Kornacki’s absence represents a loss of one of the network’s most recognizable and respected figures.
With MSNBC and CNBC soon operating independently, they will need to develop their own news content without the support of NBCU-owned resources like NBC News. Kornacki’s decision to align with NBC News over MSNBC marks a significant moment as the television news industry braces for corporate restructuring.
His departure follows other notable exits at NBC News, including Lester Holt stepping down from “NBC Nightly News” while continuing with “Dateline,” and Chuck Todd leaving “Meet the Press” in January.
The “SpinCo” spinoff is anticipated to finalize later this year, potentially reshaping the cable news landscape as MSNBC and CNBC establish themselves as distinct entities.
