Popular Cable News Personality Makes Big Career Move

Steve Kornacki has been a constant presence at MSNBC since joining the network in 2012. He's now taking his talents elsewhere, albeit in familiar territory.

According to multiple reports, the popular 45-year-old data analyst and election coverage map guru is leaving MSNBC for NBC and NBC Sports. The move comes as NBC's parent company, NBCUniversal, prepares to spinoff the cable news network.

Kornacki, popular for his unparalleled, laser-focused analytical skills as he is for his khakis, will serve as chief data analyst at NBC News and NBC Sports. Variety on Tuesday reported that Kornacki will have a contributor role but with a long-term commitment. That he won't be a full-time staffer likely means Kornacki will be free to take on outside projects.

Variety also reported that Kornacki will likely make appearances on Meet the Press and Football Night in America, the latter of which created a huge buzz when he made a crossover just a few years ago during NBC Sports' NFL playoff coverage. Kornacki has also shared his insights in the Kentucky Derby and March Madness.

Kornacki built a strong following during his time at MSNBC, where his electoral college map analysis was must-see TV during each election cycle. He became MSNBC's election coverage map correspondent in 2014.

But analyzing election maps and exit polls is far from his only superpower. It's said that Kornacki, a diehard sports fan who earned a degree in film and television from Boston University, is likely to pursue a game show hosting gig in the future, according to the Los Angeles Times. Kornacki, a huge fan of game shows, apparently got a shot at a game show pilot in 2022.

Kornacki's the latest to defect MSNBC for NBC. Venerable journalist Andrea Mitchell recently stepped down as host of her show for a role at NBC News.