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Versant Sets Summer 2026 Launch for MS NOW Direct-to-Consumer Platform

Versant is steering MS NOW toward an owned hub after the Comcast split.

Overview

  • Announced at Versant’s investor day in New York, the subscription service is slated for a summer 2026 debut as the midterm election season picks up.
  • Subscribers will get 24/7 streaming access to the MS NOW linear channel alongside interactive content, community spaces, and a centralized home for podcasts and short-form video.
  • The offering promises direct access to hosts through live and virtual events, moderated discussions, thoughtful curation, and resources to support civic engagement.
  • MS NOW leaders say the product blends Fox Nation’s superfan subscription model with the New York Times’ vertical strategy, with consumer research underway.
  • Versant describes this as its biggest digital investment for the brand following the MSNBC rebrand and reported Nielsen viewership gains, as the network no longer uses Peacock for distribution.