Comcast’s soon-to-be independent cable networks division has been officially named Versant, according to a staff memo from Mark Lazarus, the CEO of the new company. Versant will be the parent company for MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel.
The formal separation from Comcast, previously known as SpinCo, is expected to be finalized later this year. In his memo, Lazarus stated, “Versant represents more than a name — it speaks to our adaptability and embraces the opportunity to shape a new, modern media company.” He explained that the name was chosen after a thorough process involving internal brand marketers, designers, and strategists, reviewing thousands of possibilities before settling on a shortlist of three, which then underwent international legal clearance and design vetting.
Brand marketers Lisa Fleming and Mike DeRienzo, in a staff announcement, described Versant, meaning the slope of a mountain, as evoking “strength” and “forward movement.” The company's permanent headquarters will be in Manhattan, with temporary offices nicknamed “summer camp.”
Lazarus mentioned that over 5,000 people have expressed interest in joining the company, and a careers website featuring over 100 open positions is anticipated to launch this week. MSNBC, which will become independent from NBC News after the spinoff, is reportedly developing its own news division. Details regarding MSNBC's streaming strategy have yet to be revealed. Previously, MSNBC content appeared on Peacock, a platform that will remain under Comcast’s ownership.