Steve Kornacki has signed a new deal with NBC, transitioning from MSNBC to focus on NBC News and NBC Sports. This change involves Kornacki lending his distinctive data analysis expertise—often showcased using an interactive touchscreen—to political and sports programming.
While NBC hasn’t officially stated the reason for the contract restructuring, it's believed to be tied to Comcast's planned spinoff of its cable assets, including MSNBC. This spinoff is causing operational divisions between NBC News and MSNBC, including separate newsgathering teams and Washington D.C. bureaus.
Kornacki has already contributed significantly to NBC News and NBC Sports, covering elections, the Olympics, and other sporting events. His data analysis skills initially gained prominence on MSNBC, where he analyzed political and polling data during significant political events. He's since appeared across various platforms, including NBC and the streamer NBC News Now. His new contract keeps him on NBC News properties, including NBC News Now.
Kornacki is known for his enthusiastic and analytical approach to data presentation, alongside his signature style. His workspace in Studio 3A, a regular hub for MSNBC’s major event coverage, is even nicknamed the “Kornacki Curve,” referencing a distinctive set feature. MSNBC has also dedicated a camera to his workstation, the “Kornacki Cam,” often used during commercial breaks.
MSNBC, while not commenting directly on Kornacki’s departure, indicated they plan to replace him and maintain data-driven journalism. Beyond data analysis, Kornacki hosted MSNBC's "Up" (now canceled) and election specials like "The Kornacki Countdown."