MS NOW Builds a News Fandom | Tech News

0:00It's September 9th. This is Tech News Today, powered by AI, your innovation update. MSNow, formerly MSNBC, is looking to turn its viewers into a dedicated community, not just watchers. The networks president, Rebecca Cutler, wants to build a fandom by offering more than just cable news. This means creating a pay membership universe that bridges TV and online engagement. The strategy taps into the deep connection viewers already have with on-air talent, like Rachel Maddo and Jen Saki. Cutler noted that she'd never seen the kind of audience reaction to anchors that she witnessed at MSNow, seeing viewers as fans who are genuinely rooting for the personalities. This push aims to give these super fans more direct access. Members will get opportunities to interact with anchors and reporters multiple times a week, asking questions and connecting with other like-minded viewers. The network spent over a year on product research, surveying thousands of people to shape

1:02this new offering. The goal is to engage both existing cable viewers and the massive digital audience that consumes content on platforms like YouTube, where MSNow already sees more clicks than ABC, NBC, and CBS news combined. They're building a product that evolves, acknowledging that they won't get it perfect on day one, but are committed to learning and expanding. Ultimately, MSNow sees itself as a brand that respects its audience and offers reliable reporting and analysis across all platforms. They're aiming to be a strong voice in a healthy democracy, competing not just on cable, but across the entire digital landscape.