Steve Kornacki Leaves MSNBC for Expanded NBC Role

NEW YORK, April 1, 2025 – Prominent data analyst Steve Kornacki is making a significant career shift as he transitions away from MSNBC to a new role at NBC. As part of an expanded contract with NBC, Kornacki will focus on contributing his expertise to both NBC News and NBC Sports.

The announcement comes amid a major restructuring at MSNBC, which is being spun off from NBC News in a move orchestrated by parent company Comcast. This separation will create a distinct operational unit for MSNBC, prompting Kornacki’s departure from the left-leaning network.

Kornacki, 45, has been a mainstay in political analysis, particularly known for his comprehensive coverage during the 2020 presidential election. Under the new contract, he retains his position as chief data analyst for NBC, where he will continue to provide insights into polls, election results, and major sporting events.

NBC confirmed Kornacki’s new role on Tuesday, noting that he will appear on flagship programs including “Meet the Press,” “Today,” and NBC Nightly News, as well as the NBC News Now streaming service. His absence from MSNBC signifies a considerable shift for the network, which is actively hiring over 100 journalists to build its new staff ahead of the spinoff.

A spokesperson for MSNBC declined to comment on Kornacki’s exit but highlighted ongoing recruitment efforts as the network adjusts to its new identity. Kornacki’s influence on MSNBC’s election coverage has been substantial, especially during pivotal moments when he utilized his analytical skills to interpret complex data for viewers.

Throughout his career, Kornacki has emerged as a popular figure in media, garnering a large following for his relatable presentation style and enthusiasm for data, frequently showcased in his signature khakis and rolled sleeves.

The decision to shift from MSNBC to NBC reflects broader changes in the media landscape as the two entities evolve. Kornacki is also expected to maintain opportunities outside of NBC, working on projects unrelated to politics or sports, indicating his diverse interests in media.

After joining NBC and MSNBC in 2012, Kornacki initially focused on political data analysis and has since integrated sports broadcasting into his repertoire. His role as a horse racing analyst has also earned him recognition, including a notable prediction during the Kentucky Derby.

As Kornacki takes on this new chapter, the industry will be watching closely to see how his data-driven insights will shape coverage at NBC and how MSNBC will adapt its programming in his absence.