MSNBC was founded in 1996 by Tom Rogers. The prototype logo consisted of the NBC peacock above the text with a combination of the 1995 MSN logo (with the red "n" appearing in a slightly larger point size) and the 1986 NBC wordmark. This logo was used only in promotions for the network's launch.
1996–2009
1996–2000
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Univers Next Pro 940 Extended Extra Black (modified)
Launched:
July 15, 1996
2000–2006
In 2000, the "N" bridging both sections of the "MSNBC" name representing its original corporate co-parents was changed from red to black.
2006–2009
The logo was changed to horizontal form in 2006, making the logo closer in resemblance to that of CNBC.
2009–2015
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Gotham Bold
Launched:
June 27, 2009
This logo, with the letters in lowercase form, first appeared on MSNBC.com in April 2007, and was launched on screen on June 27, 2009, as the station started broadcasting in high-definition.
2015–2021
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Gotham Bold
Launched:
August 18, 2015
The letters returned to uppercase form on August 18, 2015, retaining the same typeface as the previous logo.
2021–present
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Arial Bold (Modified)
Launched:
March 29, 2021
On March 29, 2021, MSNBC debuted an updated logo, adopting a nameplate typeface similar to that of the logo used since 2018 on its digital platforms.
For in collaboration with Microsoft and NBCUniversal the channel is meant to stand for the acronym Microsoft National Broadcasting Company.
Notes: 1 Became independent 2 Were moved to work on other Microsoft Software departments 3 consolidated 4 Sold to Take-Two Interactive, later being defunct
