Additional NBCUniversal Logos
CNBC is an American pay television business news channel that is owned by NBCUniversal Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News, a division of NBCUniversal, with both being ultimately owned by Comcast. Headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, the network primarily carries business day coverage of U.S. and international financial markets; following the end of the business day and on non-trading days, CNBC primarily carries financial and business-themed documentaries and reality shows.
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History of the CNBC Logo
NBC, founded in 1926 as the National Broadcasting Company, was America’s first radio network and has consistently led the media industry. Over the years, it has adapted to changing viewer preferences through advancements in technology and programming.
One of NBC’s most iconic symbols is the Peacock logo, introduced in 1956 as a representation of “innovation and excellence.” Originally designed by Herb Lubalin and John J. Graham, it debuted as a promotional tool to highlight the arrival of color television, featuring vibrant plumage to symbolize a future-oriented perspective. However, it wasn’t officially trademarked at the time.
Between 1959 and 1979, NBC experimented with different logo designs, including a monogram connecting the letters NBC and the geometric “Diamond N,” created by Lippincott & Margulies. In 1979, NBC combined elements of the Peacock and Diamond N, simplifying the former but resulting in a somewhat awkward design.
Later that year, NBC reassessed its visual identity to strengthen its position in a competitive market and celebrate its 60th anniversary. Partnering with Chermayeff & Geismar, a renowned design firm, the company sought to refine its logo, establish a corporate typeface, and codify design standards. The goal was to modernize the Peacock logo without a drastic departure from its established identity, improving its usability and resonance with audiences.
The redesigned Peacock featured a simplified form with six vibrant colors, reduced from the original eleven, and used negative space to create the bird’s shape. This change improved the logo’s visual impact and flexibility while representing NBC’s commitment to innovation and teamwork. The new design also allowed for color-coded branding across NBC’s divisions, including Sports, News, and Entertainment.
Emphasis was placed on simplicity and strength, integrating the Peacock with NBC’s initials to streamline its application and honor the network’s legacy as a broadcasting pioneer. A custom typeface was developed to ensure consistency across all corporate materials, and a comprehensive design manual was introduced to maintain quality and alignment across various departments.
Focus groups overwhelmingly recognized the new design as NBC’s, validating the subtle yet effective updates. However, despite completing the redesign in 1980, NBC delayed its implementation due to the costs involved and its third-place position in ratings. The new logo was officially launched in 1986, once NBC regained its leadership in the industry.
Reflecting on the process, Steff Geissbuhler of Chermayeff & Geismar highlighted the challenges of redesigning such a recognizable logo, emphasizing the importance of patience and strategic timing in achieving a successful rollout.
Logos with similar colors:
