MS NOW: Live & Breaking News
Overview
The MS NOW application, published by NBCUniversal News Group, serves as the mobile streaming and journalism hub for MSNBC. The platform is engineered to deliver progressive political commentary, breaking legislative coverage, expert legal analysis, and prime-time television broadcasts. It caters primarily to news consumers seeking detailed analysis of U.S. political affairs, congressional proceedings, Supreme Court decisions, and election cycles.
MS NOW offers a multi-modal content delivery engine designed to support both video and audio media consumption. The application provides live video streaming of MSNBC network broadcasts, accessible via authentication with participating pay-TV cable, satellite, or streaming providers. A key technical highlight for mobile users is the platform’s continuous 24/7 live audio stream. This audio-only mode allows users to listen to live network broadcasts in the background with minimal mobile data usage, making it an effective alternative for commuters.
The app's on-demand video ecosystem is organized into dedicated show hubs. Users can stream full broadcast episodes, segment highlights, and exclusive interviews from flagship prime-time shows. Featured programs include The Rachel Maddow Show, Morning Joe, Deadline: White House, All In with Chris Hayes, and The Last Word. These video streams are paired with written op-eds, investigative reporting, and legal analysis generated by MSNBC's roster of political contributors and investigative journalists.
To keep users informed during high-priority news developments, the application utilizes real-time push notification servers. These alerts deliver high-impact breaking news, legislative developments, and trial updates directly to user lock screens. The user interface includes responsive video controls, text formatting options for articles, and integrated casting support for streaming live video to Chromecast and smart TV displays.
Pros & Cons
Continuous 24/7 Live Audio Stream: Features an audio-only background mode that lets users listen to live broadcasts without keeping screens active.
In-Depth Legal and Political Commentary: Offers specialized analysis from experts on constitutional law, legislation, and national policy.
On-Demand Prime-Time Program Hubs: Delivers full episodes and clips from programs like Morning Joe and The Rachel Maddow Show.
Rapid Breaking News Push Alerts: Sends real-time notifications regarding major political, legislative, and judicial updates.
Seamless Chromecast Integration: Supports streaming live video and show clips directly to smart TVs and external screens.
- ✕
Cable TV Login Required for Live Video: Full live video streaming requires valid subscription authentication from a paid TV provider.
- ✕
Commercial Pre-Roll Density on Video Clips: On-demand show clips feature regular pre-roll commercial ads.
- ✕
Occasional Audio Stream Disconnections: Background audio feeds can sporadically drop when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Download
Get it on Google Play 
Get it on App Store FAQs
Is a pay-TV provider subscription required to use the MS NOW app?
While written articles and select video clips are freely accessible, live video streaming requires authentication with a paid cable, satellite, or TV service provider.
Can I listen to MSNBC live in the background while using other apps?
Yes, the application features a dedicated 24/7 live audio stream that supports background audio playback while multitasking.
Which television shows are available for on-demand streaming?
Users can stream full episodes and segment clips from Morning Joe, The Rachel Maddow Show, Deadline: White House, and The Last Word.
Does the application support TV casting protocols?
Yes, the application integrates Chromecast support, allowing users to cast live video and show clips directly to compatible televisions.
How do breaking news notifications function in the app?
The app sends configurable push notifications directly to lock screens whenever major legislative, judicial, or political news breaks.
Hot Reviews
Summarized from Google Play reviews and community discussions.
Users praise the 24/7 live audio streaming feature, noting that it allows them to listen to live political coverage during daily driving commutes without consuming heavy mobile data allocations.
Reviewers consistently highlight the depth of political analysis, appreciating the expert legal panels and detailed breakdowns of complex court decisions and legislation.
A common point of friction among users is the requirement to authenticate with a cable provider to unlock live video, limiting access for cord-cutters.
Feedback highlights occasional frustration with user experience layout, specifically regarding auto-playing video clips that interrupt article reading.