In a move that has shaken its cable news divisions, Comcast confirmed plans to spin off its outlets MSNBC and CNBC into a new standalone company.

The decision has sparked concern among staff and prominent figures inside MSNBC, and the implications of the shift raise questions about the future identity and direction of the network, as the Daily Wire reports.

Comcast's announcement also involves the spinoff of channels such as Oxygen, E!, Syfy, and the Golf Channel into the new entity.

This action, however, will not touch other parts of the NBCUniversal empire, including NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, Bravo, and Peacock.

Emotional Reactions During Staff Meeting

MSNBC recently held an intense meeting with its staff, attended by notable anchors like Katy Tur, Rachel Maddow, and Chris Jansing.

The session was conducted by NBCUniversal chairman Mark Lazarus, who attempted to assuage concerns but left many questions unanswered about the branding and direction of the network.

Lazarus described the new entity as akin to a "well-funded start-up," a characterization met with mixed reactions. Some, including Tur, appeared positive about this outlook.

Her colleague, Maddow, expressed enthusiasm about the new beginnings, implying potential optimism despite the uncertainty.

Uncertainty of New Company Logistics

Staff raised critical questions about potential impacts, such as changes to MSNBC’s name and logo, and whether the headquarters would remain the same. Lazarus provided limited details, contributing to the overall unease.

MSNBC president Rashida Jones addressed these concerns head-on, acknowledging the complex nature of the transition. She reinforced the understanding that they have time to navigate these changes, telling staff, "Change is always complicated."

Concerns Over Declining Ratings

Adding to the anxiety are reports of slipping ratings for cable news networks following the 2024 election and President-elect Donald Trump's triumph. This context magnifies concerns about the viability of a spinoff, as staff ponders their place in a changing media landscape.

A report released by the New York Times earlier in the week laid bare Comcast's strategy, amplifying internal fears about the potential direction of the network.

Among the staff’s chief anxieties is the uncertainty of their roles and the vision for the content under the new company structure.

Staff Reactions Highlight Tension

“Everyone is in a panic because everything is up in the air," an MSNBC insider shared, encapsulating the environment of apprehension.

Another source reflected on the timing during the holiday season, emphasizing the exhaustion of staff who are coping with professional and personal demands.

A further comment revealed the vagueness surrounding the plans, suggesting staff were not informed of concrete details yet.

However, it was confirmed that there will be roughly a year to work out the logistics before any transitions take place.

The network's personnel are left to grapple with the implications while striving to maintain focus. The unclear path forward leaves a chaotic backdrop as they continue to deliver news amidst a rapidly evolving industry landscape.