MSNBC's attempt at a fresh new look has backfired spectacularly, as the network's latest logo redesign has become the subject of widespread online mockery.
The revamped design, which swaps the previous bold lettering for a sleeker, more minimalist approach, has been met with a flood of sarcastic comments and unflattering comparisons across social media platforms.
A Logo That Missed the Mark
Viewers were quick to point out that the new design bears an uncanny resemblance to outdated digital aesthetics, with some comparing it to early internet graphics or generic corporate templates. "Did they let an intern loose on Microsoft Word's clipart collection?" quipped one particularly scathing Twitter user.
Social Media Erupts
The backlash was immediate and merciless:
- "Looks like something I'd see on a local access channel in 2003"
- "When your PowerPoint transition goes wrong"
- "The graphic design equivalent of elevator music"
Even media professionals joined the chorus of disapproval, with several branding experts questioning whether the redesign actually improves upon the previous version.
What Were They Thinking?
The new logo features a simplified typeface with the letters "MSNBC" in lowercase, accompanied by a stylized "N" that some have likened to a Wi-Fi symbol gone wrong. The colour palette has also been altered, moving away from the network's traditional red, white and blue scheme.
While rebrands often face initial skepticism, the intensity of negative reaction to MSNBC's new visual identity suggests this particular redesign may have missed its intended mark entirely.
A History of Controversial Redesigns
This isn't the first time a major network's logo change has sparked controversy. Many viewers will remember the uproar when other news organisations have attempted similar modernisations, only to face public backlash.
Whether MSNBC will stick with their new look or reconsider remains to be seen, but for now, the internet is having a field day with what many are calling a textbook example of how not to approach a rebrand.
