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FIRST ON FOX— An emerging independent media newsletter, designed to scrutinize the most powerful figures in the industry, has announced a sponsorship deal with MS NOW, the progressive cable network previously recognized as MSNBC. This partnership marks a significant step for Status, a newsletter founded by Oliver Darcy, a former CNN media reporter.
Since its inaugural issue, published on November 18, Status has incorporated the message, “presented by MS NOW.” This rebranding effort from MSNBC to MS NOW officially took effect on November 15, signaling a new identity while maintaining its progressive agenda.
On Wednesday, the Status homepage featured a prominently displayed advertisement for MS NOW, which included a visual of renowned anchor Rachel Maddow. A spokesperson for Status refuted any claims of a conflict of interest linked to this sponsorship.
Status promotes itself with the slogan, “Hard-hitting reporting. Uncompromising analysis. Zero spin,” asserting its role as the definitive daily briefing for navigating the corridors of media influence. The newsletter aims to deliver fearless journalism that holds influential leaders accountable.
Last year, Status gained attention for its exclusive reporting on journalist Olivia Nuzzi’s alleged relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which contributed to her departure from New York Magazine. The newsletter has experienced rapid growth, nearing 100,000 subscribers as of August.
According to Status’s About Us page, the outlet prides itself on resisting political pressure that hampers truth-telling. It emphasizes its independence and commitment to readers rather than billionaire funding sources.
MS NOW rebranded from its previous identity as MSNBC in alignment with Comcast’s strategic move to spin off its cable networks under the new umbrella company, Versant. In a bid to reinforce its progressive stance, MS NOW launched a $20 million advertising campaign to apprise viewers of this transition.
A statement within the Status newsletter from MS NOW proclaims, “Home to ‘Morning Joe,’ ‘The Rachel Maddow Show,’ ‘All In with Chris Hayes,’ and more voices you know and trust, MS NOW is your source for news, opinion and the world. Our name is new, but you’ll find the same commitment to justice, progress and the truth you’ve relied on for decades.”
The sponsorship has sparked discussions regarding the nature of journalistic integrity. A spokesperson for Status told Fox News Digital that queries regarding the motivation behind highlighting the MS NOW partnership are unfounded. They believe such inquiries undermine their journalism, which frequently challenges those in power.
“The notion that Status would dilute its coverage to appease an advertiser is categorically false and offensive. We do not tailor our reporting for sponsors, and we never will. Our work is demanding and independent, often proving uncomfortable for advertisement partners,” the spokesperson stated.
Status emphasizes its editorial integrity by clarifying that its staff does not manage advertisement sales; this responsibility is assigned to industry veteran Stacey Farish, who ensures that advertising calendars are determined well ahead of publication.
Corporate sponsorships in newsletters are not uncommon. For example, similar practices are seen in newsletters like Axios AM and Politico Playbook, which featured sponsored segments by Meta’s Instagram and McDonald’s respectively last Friday.
Status has previously hosted advertisements from various companies it critiques, including Netflix and Disney, engaging in commentary and critical reporting on these advertisers. Recently, it delved into Disney executives’ responses to criticisms stemming from the Trump administration.
The media landscape remains complex, particularly as Status continues to critique its corporate sponsors while maintaining journalistic independence. For example, the outlet has scrutinized MS NOW’s challenges following its split from Comcast, examining CEO Mark Lazarus’ lucrative compensation and the network’s drop in primetime viewership.
Darcy, who has appeared multiple times on MS NOW prior to its rebranding, is known for his criticism of conservative media. His latest appearance occurred in October, where he engaged on various topics, including media’s portrayal of President Donald Trump.
Following Darcy’s exit from CNN in 2024 to embark on his new venture, he has since expanded his team to include former CNN colleagues Jon Passantino and Brian Lowry.
An insider within MS NOW has clarified that Darcy’s segments are independent of the sponsorship arrangement, affirming that there are no expectations for preferential coverage linked to the advertising partnership.
As conversations surrounding media integrity and independence evolve, both Status and MS NOW navigate their respective roles in a challenging landscape, each aiming to inform and engage their audiences without compromising their core principles.
Fox News Digital’s David Rutz contributed to this report.
