Veteran political analyst Steve Kornacki is stepping down from his role at MSNBC after 12 years, as part of a broader corporate restructuring by parent company Comcast, according to multiple reports. While he will no longer appear on the cable network that made him famous for his energetic election night coverage, Kornacki will continue to play a key role within the NBC News organization.
Under his new contract, wrote USA Today, Kornacki will remain NBC’s chief data analyst and expand his appearances across both NBC News and NBC Sports. His departure from MSNBC coincides with Comcast’s move to spin off the network into an independent corporate entity. This is one of several strategic changes following a steep ratings decline after the 2024 presidential election.
Following the victory of former President Donald Trump over then-Vice President Kamala Harris in November, MSNBC’s ratings dropped by 53 percent. This significant dip triggered a comprehensive review of the network’s programming and leadership, along with a potential ownership change. Kornacki’s exit comes shortly after the removal of anchor Joy Reid in February, who was replaced by a new trio of hosts: Michael Steele, Symone Sanders-Townsend, and Alicia Menendez.
Kornacki earned national recognition for his dynamic, real-time analysis of electoral data during the 2020 and 2024 elections. His tireless work, often broadcasting for hours or even days without rest, became a signature element of MSNBC’s election coverage.
Before joining MSNBC in 2012 as a co-host of “The Cycle,” Kornacki built his career as a political writer and also contributed to CNN, explained The Los Angeles Times. Although he’s leaving MSNBC, his deep analytical skills will continue to serve NBC News across its broader media platforms.
As of now, MSNBC has not released an official statement about Kornacki’s departure.
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