MSNBC has announced several key correspondent appointments as it prepares to separate from NBC News. The network, which will become part of Comcast’s spinoff Versant in 2025, is making significant staffing changes.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported that current NBC correspondent Vaughn Hillyard will become the senior White House correspondent. Hillyard is already assigned to the White House. “PBS News Hour” alum Laura Barrón-López will also join the White House team. She has covered the White House extensively and has been a frequent guest on MSNBC.
Outside of Washington, D.C., current NBC correspondent David Noriega will assume the same role at MSNBC. Marc Santia, currently reporting for WNBC in New York, will become an investigative correspondent for MSNBC.
Three of the four appointments involve moving current NBCUniversal employees to Versant. NBC has been recruiting for MSNBC roles both internally and externally. Following the Versant split, MSNBC will operate independent newsrooms in New York and Washington, D.C. These newsrooms will be staffed with employees of Versant, not NBCU. The network is currently establishing both temporary and permanent spaces for these staff members in both cities.
It remains unclear whether Versant will establish separate newsrooms in other cities, such as Los Angeles, or share space with NBC. However, Versant has been hiring staff in other locations.