Data Guru Kornacki Switches Teams

A familiar face is leaving MSNBC. Steve Kornacki, the data analyst known for his enthusiastic election coverage, has signed a new deal with NBC News and NBC Sports. This move comes as MSNBC prepares to become an independent entity, separating from NBC News. Kornacki's decision to stay with NBC means viewers won't see his famous big board on MSNBC anymore. Kornacki's new role will have him working across NBC's news and sports divisions. He will continue to provide statistical analysis for elections, sports events like the Olympics, and horse racing. Viewers can expect to see him on NBC News Now, "Meet the Press, " "Today, " and "NBC Nightly News. " His new title is chief data analyst, and he will also have the freedom to work on other projects outside of politics and sports. Kornacki's departure is a significant loss for MSNBC. He was a key part of the network's political coverage, especially during the 2020 election. His deep dives into polling data and voting results became a signature feature. Kornacki's enthusiasm and style, including his trademark khaki pants, won him a large following on social media. He even made it onto People magazine's Sexiest Men Alive list in 2020.

Kornacki's journey to fame started with writing about politics, which led to contributor work on CNN. He joined MSNBC in 2012 and became a popular figure on the network. After his breakout role during the 2020 election, NBC expanded his role to include sports coverage. He even correctly picked the winner of the Kentucky Derby. His sports analysis has been featured on various NBC shows, including "Sunday Night Football" and Olympics coverage. Kornacki's passion for game shows might also lead him to hosting roles in the future. MSNBC is already looking for a new data expert to fill Kornacki's shoes. The network is hiring over 100 journalists as it prepares for its split from NBC News. Meanwhile, NBC has announced that correspondent Antonia Hylton will join MSNBC full-time. She will co-host "The Weekend: Primetime" alongside other notable figures.

Actions