Goodbye Microsoft-NBC JV

NBCNews.com will replace Microsoft-NBC JV after 16 years

Microsoft and NBC News joined together exactly 16 years ago, launching MSNBC. The online news portal linked the two companies for over decade, bringing the world the latest happenings and top stories. However it was announced this week that the two would finally part ways.

MSNBC will be transformed into NBCNews.com, giving NBC News its own online platform. The rebranding has already commenced. Microsoft may also launch its own news platform through its MSN portal. According to the New York Times, the split will cost the companies $300 million (R2 472 570 000).

NBC News

With their website already branded as “We’re now NBC News”, NBCNews.com will be absorbed into a whole new division by the company, called NBC News Digital. Jennifer Sizemore, editor-in-chief, wrote in her editor’s letter, “ For 16 years, it has been our privilege at msnbc.com to bring you one of America’s favorite sources for insightful and compelling news and information. We’ve been your source for breaking news, one-of-a-kind stories, segments from NBC News and MSNBC shows, and live video coverage of the most important news events of our time. Our team has never stopped working to satisfy your curiosity, whenever and wherever you are. Today we’re taking on a new name — NBCNews.com. While our name is changing, our commitment is not.”

Sizemore goes on to reveal plans that MSNBC TV will also be launching a site, due next year, showing that NBC News are well on their way to standing on their own two feet without Microsoft.

MSN

According to the New York Times, general manager at MSN, Bob Visse, said, “We’re going to go out and build a world-class news team.” The company is now hiring, looking for journalists to join them for the creation of their very own online news platform. Visse added that they would also be making deals and linking up with competitors of MSNBC.com, showing that all is fair in love and war. MSN is the spot to keep an eye on in the next few months, as it will be interesting to see how they transform their portal into a competitive news platform.

Farewell

While their partnership was one of convenience, combining Microsoft’s internet expertise and NBC’s new content, the technological shifts and advances are proving that media companies around the globe need to develop their own digital platforms. Breakups are never easy, but it looks like MSN and NBC have a whole lot more going for them now, showing that sometimes it’s OK to say goodbye. The question is, which site will generate more traffic when they start competing against one another.