MSNBC Tests New Graphics Look Ahead of Monday’s HD Debut

This morning, MSNBC’s live programming is using the new HD-ready graphics look, which is very different than what the network had been using. I’m not a graphics expert so indulge me — they are using a brighter cream-colored background and have added an upper bar with the networks’ “The Place for Politics” branding, followed by the live bug, and date, and then the MSNBC logo, upper right. The lower third banners are more compact. The ticker remains, as a scroll, unlike CNN’s “Flipper.” It’s a cleaner more modern look. And moving the logo upper right is a departure from most channels which keep them lower left or right. What do you think?

Monday is also the debut of three new hours of programming between 9amET and 1pmET. Giving Dylan Ratigan two hours in the morning, and Dr. Nancy Snyderman the NoonET hour has meant MSNBC’s president Phil Griffin has had to shuffle other anchors. Contessa Brewer will anchor the 2pmET hour with rotating co-anchors including colleagues from CNBC. MSNBC Chief Washington correspondent Norah O’Donnell will fill in anchor and will ramp up her reporting for the Today show and news anchor duties on Weekend Today.

• After the jump a clip from 8amPT as MSNBC debuted the new look, music and sound effects…

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