The start was a bit bumpy due to a series of changes in management and continuing internal squabbles over the direction of the network . Some NBC affiliates were concerned that cross-promotion would divert viewers from their own programs , although that fear abated . However , MSNBC was often first to break news . It broke the story of the crash of TWA Flight 800 eight minutes before CNN , ushering in an era of hypercompetitiveness between the news channels that continues today . MSNBC originally demonstrated the interactive value of the Internet . The network 's first slogan was '' It 's Time to Get Connected '' , and e-mail addresses and phone numbers were displayed regularly . It was headquartered from studios in Fort Lee , New Jersey . In November 1996 , the network moved to new studios in Secaucus , New Jersey
TWA Flight 800
TWA Flight 800
History of MSNBC: 1996–2007