Core Insights - Comcast is spinning off its cable division, including MSNBC and CNBC, into a new publicly traded company named Versant, expected to launch by the end of 2025 under the ticker VSNT [4][5] - The spin-off is structured to be tax-free for Comcast shareholders, who will receive shares in Versant, which will start with approximately $7 billion in annual revenue and minimal debt [5] Group 1: Layoffs and Reorganization - NBC News has laid off fewer than a dozen staffers from its graphics unit, which historically supported both NBC News and MSNBC, as part of the preparations for the spin-off [1][3] - The shared graphics team has been reorganized, with some employees moving to Versant while others remain with NBC News, and several being cut entirely [3][11] Group 2: Changes in Operations - Joint editorial meetings between NBC News and MSNBC will cease, and they will no longer share content, except for NBC's Decision Desk, which will be used by MSNBC for election coverage until the end of the year [9][11] - MSNBC will rebrand as "MS NOW" starting in November, shedding the "NBC" name and the iconic peacock logo, while moving into new studios in New York [14] Group 3: Future Plans for Versant - Versant executives are establishing an independent newsroom and standards operation to replace NBC's editorial support, indicating a shift towards greater independence for MSNBC [11] - Programming and marquee hosts at MSNBC are expected to remain intact, with plans to expand news coverage and strengthen reporting ranks [15]