Morning Joe partnership with Starbucks

The partnership between the MSNBC morning news program Morning Joe and Starbucks marked a notable shift in the way media outlets engage with corporate sponsorships. Beginning with the introduction of the phrase 'brewed by Starbucks,' the show integrated the coffee brand into its branding, including a logo change that featured the Starbucks emblem. Prior to this formal partnership, the hosts of Morning Joe had consumed Starbucks coffee on air without any financial arrangement, as noted by MSNBC president Phil Griffin. This transition to a paid endorsement was seen as a strategic move during a challenging economic climate, allowing both the news program and Starbucks to benefit from increased visibility and association. However, the partnership sparked debate among media critics and rival news organizations, who viewed it as a potential compromise of journalistic integrity. The endorsement deal lasted until August 2013, raising questions about the balance between commercial interests and the principles of unbiased reporting in journalism.