3 weeks ago
Hosts from MS NOW‘s Morning Joe and CNBC‘s Squawk Box appeared astatine nan NBCUniversal upfront Monday to vouch for nan effect of Versant Media‘s programming.
For years, nan talent’s beingness astatine Radio City Music Hall would person been utterly ordinary. In 2026, though, nan talent and networks are not owned by NBCUniversal. Along pinch a number of different cablegram and integer assets, MS NOW and CNBC were spun disconnected by Comcast into a caller stand-alone company, Versant Media.
As a span from its start-up shape to a much established 1 down nan line, nan caller institution reached multi-year agreements pinch NBCU for distribution and advertizing services. Along pinch MS NOW (rebranded from MSNBC) and CNBC, properties nether nan Versant shelter see USA Network, Golf Channel and movie outlet Fandango. Versant started trading past January connected nan Nasdaq.
The quality by Morning Joe co-hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, and CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin and Becky Quick came toward nan extremity of a astir two-hour upfront position by NBCU. The arena is nan kickoff to this year’s blitz of upfronts spanning Monday done Wednesday.
“Every day, we equip our viewers pinch what’s happening successful Washington, why it matters, and really it impacts their lives,” Brzezinski told nan crowd. “Our assemblage comes to america for spot and for deeper understanding. Viewership is up 20%. Our lineup is resonating. We’re reaching 32 cardinal Americans each week who walk much than 9 hours pinch us.”
Scarborough besides chimed in, pronouncing his caller company’s sanction “Ver-SAHNT.” Sorkin and Quick added immoderate messaging from CNBC earlier a sizzle reel played.
While Versant didn’t formed nan largest protector during nan lengthy presentation, they did merit a spot successful Seth Meyers’ roast group astatine nan extremity of nan show.
“If you’re from retired of municipality and you get hassled by personification for money connected nan subway, don’t panic – that’s conscionable nan Versant afterparty,” nan late-night big cracked.
