NBC, MSNBC In Tug-of-War Over William Geist

NBC, MSNBC's William Geist

Comcast is splitting NBC News and MSNBC, with the latter set to lead a new company, SpinCo, alongside USA, CNBC, and E!. NBC News will stay with NBCUniversal, retaining its core programming but losing some familiar faces.

As the networks divide on-air talent, most anchors must choose one or have the decision made for them, according to Politico.

Willie Geist, host of Morning Joe and weekend Today, is a standout exception. 

Deemed too valuable by both networks, staffers say NBC News and MSNBC have agreed to share the 49-year-old anchor, avoiding a tug-of-war at 30 Rockefeller Center, where MSNBC will relocate within the complex.

Other moves include MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki and Andrea Mitchell shifting to NBC News, while Jose Diaz-Balart, whose show was based at MSNBC’s soon-to-close Miami studio, is also leaving. Stephanie Ruhle will stay with MSNBC but may lose her NBC News senior business analyst title and Today guest spots. Today’s Jacob Soboroff is likely headed to MSNBC, favored by its leadership.

Staffers told Politico that most talent MSNBC wants are those NBC News is willing to let go, with Geist as the sole anchor both fiercely desire. The spinoff, months away, continues to reshape both networks’ rosters.