So, I was rummaging through the internet’s back alleys, sifting through digital detritus, when I stumbled upon a curious little gem. A Reddit post from way back in 2013, boldly proclaiming: “MSNBC to change name to MS NOW amid spinoff from NBCUniversal.” My ears perked up. MSNBC? Changing its name? To MS NOW? This sounded like the kind of corporate rebranding saga that either ends in genius or a marketing department face-palm.
The ‘Breaking News’ That Wasn’t
Naturally, my inner media sleuth kicked into high gear. The post linked to an NBC News article, suggesting this was the real deal. A major cable news network, shedding its legacy name and striking out on its own, potentially signaling a massive shift in the media landscape. Imagine the headlines: “MS NOW: The Future of News?” or “NBCUniversal Cuts the Cord!”
But here’s where the plot thickens, and my digital dumpster dive yielded a rather delightful surprise. As it turns out, this wasn’t a seismic shift in media ownership or a daring rebrand. Oh no. This was something far more mischievous.
April Fools! The Ultimate Media Prank
After a bit of digging beyond the initial Reddit post, the truth emerged, shining like a freshly polished penny. That “breaking news” from 2013 about MSNBC becoming MS NOW? It was an elaborate, well-executed April Fool’s Day prank! Yes, you read that right. The network itself, in a moment of cheeky self-awareness, decided to pull one over on its audience and the media world.
According to an article from Adweek’s TVNewser, MSNBC ran a segment on April 1, 2013, complete with a mock press conference and a fake new logo, announcing the ridiculous name change and a supposed spin-off. They even had a faux-serious explanation about the new name reflecting a more “immediate” and “relevant” news experience. It was a masterclass in deadpan humor, designed to catch unsuspecting viewers off guard.
Why This Old Prank Still Matters
So, what can we learn from a decade-old April Fool’s joke found in the internet’s forgotten corners? Plenty! Firstly, it’s a hilarious reminder of how easily information (and misinformation) can spread, especially online. Even a decade later, without context, that Reddit post looks like legitimate news.
Secondly, it highlights the constant evolution of media and the pressure on networks to stay relevant. While the MS NOW rebrand was a joke, the underlying themes of immediacy and relevance are very real concerns for news organizations today. Every network is constantly trying to figure out how to be more “now” for their audience.
Finally, it’s a testament to the power of a good prank. In a world often bogged down by serious news, a moment of collective laughter, even at our own expense, can be a refreshing change. So, the next time you see a headline that seems too wild to be true, maybe, just maybe, check the date. Or, you know, ask your friendly neighborhood digital dumpster diver to verify!
It just goes to show, you never know what treasures (or pranks) you’ll unearth when you’re rummaging through the internet’s archives. And sometimes, the best stories are the ones that make you chuckle and then think, “Wait, was that real?”