Just months into her role as MSNBC President, Rebecca Kutler has shared the difficult news that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 46-year-old executive informed staff during a Wednesday morning editorial call, emphasizing that she expects to take only a few weeks off following a positive prognosis.
Kutler, a mother of three, had already briefed NBCUniversal, MSNBC executives, and the network’s top anchors before speaking to the wider team.
She encouraged her staff to prioritize their own well-being, reminding them to take care of themselves even amid a busy and intense news cycle, CNN’s Brian Stelter reported.
New Leadership and Early Decisions
Kutler stepped into the presidency in February 2025, succeeding Rashida Jones, who led the liberal-leaning network since 2021.
Early in her tenure, Kutler made headlines for staffing changes, including the high-profile departure of Joy Reid, known for her outspoken views on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and opposition to MAGA-aligned commentary.
Her tenure comes at a time of major corporate transformation, with MSNBC set to rebrand as My Source News Opinion World (MS NOW) following its separation from NBCUniversal.
The updated branding will roll out later this year, marking a major shift for the network.
The Rebrand and Network Vision
In an internal memo obtained by the Daily Mail, CEO Mark Lazarus described the rebrand as a step toward building an independent identity and future vision for the new company, Versant.
The move will also retire the iconic peacock logo, which remains with NBC.
Kutler echoed this in a company-wide memo, stressing the network’s ongoing commitment to its audience despite the new name. She wrote:
“This new branding underscores our mission: to serve as a destination for breaking news and best-in-class opinion journalism, all rooted in accurate and reported facts.”
She acknowledged that longtime staff may find the change difficult, but emphasized the careful consideration behind the decision, reflecting months of planning and strategic debate.
Building an Independent News Operation
Kutler highlighted the team’s efforts over the past eight months to untether MSNBC from NBC.
She noted the hiring of dozens of top-tier reporters and newsroom leaders, as well as ongoing recruitment for nearly 100 roles across the evolving organization.
The network is also expanding its presence across digital platforms, achieving early success on YouTube, TikTok, audio, and live events, while developing a direct-to-consumer product to complement traditional broadcasts.
Looking Ahead
The rebranded network will launch as MSNBC enters its 30th year, marking a milestone in its evolution toward full independence.
Despite her diagnosis, Kutler appears determined to maintain leadership and guide the network through this transformative period, balancing both professional responsibilities and personal health.