With the arrival of the Internet in our lives, fewer and fewer people are using print media, and fewer and fewer people are watching television. Many media outlets have had to close down, and some have completely switched to developing web versions of their publications.
The most popular news sites are visited by millions of people a day, but with the advent of social networks and messengers, many people get their information from there. But there is a category of “unsinkable” players in the media and television market, such as, for example, The New York Times or CNN.
In fact, it is worth noting that most of the world’s largest media companies, which influence not only the functioning of the national media market but also the development of many processes on a global scale, are now based in the United States.
In this selection, we would like to draw your attention to the media and television brands that have had the greatest impact on the modern perception of this segment. More specifically, we want to take a closer look at their logos and try to understand how much of their success they are responsible for.
CBS
Would you have thought that CBS based its logo on 19th-century religious drawings? The stylized black and white eye featured on the network’s iconic emblem is an interpretation of the “All-Seeing Eye” from William Golden, who created the CBS logo. The minimalistic emblem is accompanied by bold black perfectly balanced lettering.
CNN
At the moment CNN is one of the largest news networks: it broadcasts in seven languages in more than 200 countries, and its logo is not only known on all continents but is also considered one of the most successful text-based visual identities ever created. The stylized red lettering with merged capital characters is cut by a relatively thin white line, letting in the light and air.
Fox News
The visual identity of the Fox News TV Channel is based on the national American tricolor — red, blue, and white — and uses simple graphics, which works great combined with the thick geometric lines. The solid blue square with the white lettering, two white long rays of light, and a super thin white orbit is accompanied by a solid red rectangular banner with the lowercase “Channel” on it.
Friends
One of the most iconic logotypes of the last century is definitely the Friends insignia. And this is when you clearly understand, that there is no need for complicated compositions and fantasy fonts. The word “Friends” is written in black uppercase characters with dots of different colors between the letters. Each of the six dots symbolizes one of the main characters of a sitcom.
Game of Thrones
Of course, the Game of Thrones logo is only a small part of the whole universe of the visual identity of this magnificent series. But it is a great unifying element that captures all the drama of the story and the style of the narrative. The elegant serif lettering in the uppercase with the first characters enlarged is decorated by thin vertical lines inside the “O”s and an elongated horizontal bar of the “T”, separating the levels of the wordmark.
NBC
The logo of the NBC TV channel has several hidden meanings at once. Of course, everyone has long known about the peacock. But why was this particular bird chosen? The point is that when the logo was developed, color TVs were just being introduced, and the TV company needed a logo that would make owners of black-and-white TVs switch to them. So they used the common phrase “proud as a peacock,” broadcasting pride in their new color system. The colors of the feathers represent the six different divisions of NBC.
The New York Times
The iconic logo of The New York Times has been around for more than 170 years by now. The idea is as simple as possible: a black title case lettering on a white background. So how did it turn into the legendary insignia? The thing is, that the font, sizing, and balance of all elements make up an image, that is full of confidence and excellence. When you see this logo you start trusting the source immediately.
The Simpsons
Did you know that in 1998, Time magazine named Bart Simpson one of the most influential people of the century? But that’s not what we’re talking about today, we’re talking about the logo of one of the most prominent animated series of all time, The Simpsons. Red or yellow handwritten lettering in black outline and with a quite impressive black shadow — everything the designers needed to fully reflect the spirit and mood of the series.
Time Magazine
In the years of its existence, the legendary American Time magazine has changed its logo only once – in 2020, in connection with the U.S. presidential election, the word Time on the cover was replaced by the word Vote. And such constancy is quite understandable because the red uppercase logotype with sharp long serifs is the embodiment of stability and truthfulness.
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. was founded in 1923 by four brothers who emigrated from what is now Belarus, which was part of the Russian Empire. At the same time, the first symbol appeared: a shield with the inscription WB. The company still uses the original concept to this day, having perfected it through several redesigns over the years.
Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune logo is a vibrant and colorful representation of the iconic American game show. The design features a circular format divided into multiple segments, each filled with bright, eye-catching colors such as red, blue, green, and yellow. These segments are separated by thin white lines, giving the appearance of a spinning wheel, which is central to the game’s format. At the center of the wheel, a bold blue circle houses the show’s title in large, white, three-dimensional letters. The words “Wheel” and “Fortune” curve around the wheel, with “of” positioned prominently in the middle. The use of shadows and gradients adds depth to the text, making it stand out against the colorful background. This design effectively captures the excitement and dynamic nature of the game show, making it instantly recognizable to viewers. The logo’s playful yet structured composition reflects the show’s blend of entertainment and competitive spirit.
Stranger Things
The Stranger Things logo is a striking and memorable design that perfectly captures the eerie and nostalgic essence of the popular Netflix series. The logo features the show’s title in a bold, retro-inspired font, rendered in a vivid red color. The text is framed by thin, horizontal lines above and below, creating a box-like structure that emphasizes the name. The choice of typography and color scheme is reminiscent of 1980s horror and sci-fi movies, paying homage to the era in which the series is set. The clean, sans-serif font with its sharp edges and uniform letter spacing adds a sense of foreboding and intrigue. The simplicity of the design, combined with its bold visual impact, makes the “Stranger Things” logo instantly recognizable and evocative of the show’s unique blend of supernatural mystery and 80s nostalgia.
Nickelodeon
The Nickelodeon logo is a playful and energetic design that embodies the fun and creativity associated with the children’s television network. The logo features the brand name in a lowercase, rounded font that exudes friendliness and approachability. The text is rendered in the network’s signature bright orange color, a hue that symbolizes creativity and enthusiasm. Surrounding the text is a whimsical splatter shape, reminiscent of paint or slime, which adds an element of spontaneity and messiness that appeals to the network’s young audience. The irregular, organic shape of the splatter contrasts with the clean lines of the text, creating a dynamic visual balance. This logo captures the spirit of Nickelodeon as a hub for entertaining, imaginative, and sometimes chaotic children’s programming.
Grey’s Anatomy
The Grey’s Anatomy logo is a sleek and modern design that reflects the drama and professionalism of the long-running medical TV series. The logo features the show’s title in bold, uppercase letters, rendered in a sans-serif font that conveys a sense of urgency and clarity. The text is primarily black, with a distressed texture that adds a touch of grit and realism, aligning with the intense and often challenging situations depicted in the show. A single red line runs underneath the word “Grey’s,” providing a striking contrast and hinting at the medical theme with its color association to blood and emergency. This minimalist yet impactful design ensures that the logo stands out and is easily recognizable, conveying the seriousness and high stakes of the hospital environment.
The Boys
The logo for The Boys is a bold and gritty design that perfectly captures the rebellious and intense nature of the Amazon Prime series. The title is presented in a distressed, all-caps font that looks almost hand-stamped, giving it a raw and unpolished appearance. The black and white color scheme adds to the stark, no-nonsense vibe of the logo, while the distressed texture of the letters suggests a sense of chaos and defiance. This design choice aligns with the show’s themes of anti-heroism and the dark underbelly of superhero culture. The logo’s simplicity and boldness make it highly impactful and instantly recognizable, reflecting the show’s edgy and provocative content.
Amazon Prime Video
The Amazon Prime Video logo is a sleek and modern design that reflects the streaming service’s focus on providing a premium viewing experience. The logo features the brand name in a clean, sans-serif font, rendered in a bright blue color that conveys a sense of trustworthiness and reliability. An upward-curving arrow, a subtle nod to the Amazon brand’s signature smile, underscores the text, symbolizing progress and forward motion. This arrow also visually connects the words “Prime” and “Video,” emphasizing the seamless integration of services. The minimalistic and streamlined design ensures that the logo is easily recognizable and conveys a sense of sophistication and professionalism, in line with Amazon Prime Video’s commitment to high-quality content delivery.
Young Sheldon
The logo for “Young Sheldon” is a charming and approachable design that captures the lighthearted and whimsical nature of the prequel to “The Big Bang Theory.” The title is rendered in a playful, lowercase serif font, with a slight curvature to the letters that adds a sense of warmth and friendliness. The text is colored in a soft maroon hue, which evokes a sense of nostalgia and ties into the show’s period setting. The simplicity of the design, with its clean lines and unembellished letters, reflects the straightforward and sincere tone of the series, focusing on the childhood of the beloved character Sheldon Cooper. This logo effectively communicates the show’s blend of humor, heart, and family-friendly storytelling.
The Washington Post
The logo of The Washington Post is a classic and authoritative design that reflects the newspaper’s long-standing reputation for journalism excellence. The title is presented in a traditional, gothic-style blackletter font, which conveys a sense of history and gravitas. The black and white color scheme reinforces the seriousness and credibility of the publication, while the intricate details of the lettering add a touch of elegance and sophistication. This logo has remained largely unchanged over the years, underscoring the newspaper’s commitment to maintaining its legacy and integrity. The design is instantly recognizable and evokes a sense of trust and respect, befitting one of the most prestigious newspapers in the United States.
Netflix
The Netflix logo is a clean and powerful design that has become synonymous with the world’s leading streaming service. The logo features the company name in a bold, sans-serif font, rendered in a striking red color. The letters are tall and slightly curved, creating a subtle arc that adds a dynamic feel to the design. This simplicity and minimalism reflect Netflix’s modern and user-friendly platform, emphasizing clarity and ease of recognition. The bright red color symbolizes energy, passion, and excitement, aligning with Netflix’s commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging content. This straightforward yet impactful logo is easily recognizable across various media, from digital screens to physical merchandise, reinforcing Netflix’s strong brand identity.
The Wall Street Journal
The logo for The Wall Street Journal is a timeless and authoritative design that reflects the publication’s prestige and credibility in the financial world. The logo features the newspaper’s name in an elegant, serif typeface, rendered in a classic black color. The use of all uppercase letters conveys a sense of importance and seriousness, befitting a major financial news source. The font choice, with its fine lines and balanced proportions, exudes professionalism and sophistication. This design has remained consistent over the years, underscoring the publication’s commitment to tradition and journalistic excellence. The simplicity and formality of the logo make it instantly recognizable and respected, symbolizing trustworthy and in-depth financial reporting.
HBO Max
The HBO Max logo is a modern and visually striking design that reflects the streaming service’s innovative and premium content. The logo features the “HBO” initials in a bold, black, sans-serif font, which is a nod to the original HBO branding, ensuring brand continuity and recognition. The word “Max” is presented in a gradient of purple and blue, adding a sense of depth and vibrancy. This color transition symbolizes the vast and diverse range of content available on the platform. The clean and contemporary typeface of “Max” contrasts with the solid black of “HBO,” highlighting the dynamic and expansive nature of the service. The overall design is sleek and sophisticated, conveying HBO Max’s commitment to high-quality entertainment.
MSNBC
The logo for “MSNBC” is a bright and dynamic design that reflects the news network’s focus on delivering timely and impactful journalism. The logo features the network’s name in a bold, sans-serif font, rendered in black. This choice of typography conveys strength and clarity, essential qualities for a news organization. Accompanying the text is the iconic NBC peacock, a multi-colored symbol that adds a splash of vibrancy and represents the network’s rich history and broad programming spectrum. The peacock’s feathers, with their distinctive colors, emphasize diversity and inclusivity, key values of the network. This combination of bold text and a colorful emblem creates a balanced and eye-catching logo that is both authoritative and approachable.
Axios
The “Axios” logo is a sleek and modern design that embodies the media company’s commitment to delivering concise and impactful news. The logo features the company name in a bold, sans-serif font, predominantly black, which conveys professionalism and clarity. The distinctive feature of the logo is the diagonal blue line that forms part of the letter “A,” adding a touch of modernity and innovation. This blue accent symbolizes trustworthiness and reliability, core principles of Axios’s journalistic approach. The overall design is minimalist and straightforward, reflecting the company’s philosophy of delivering news in a clear, efficient, and engaging manner. This logo stands out for its simplicity and modernity, making it easily recognizable and memorable.
USA Today
The USA Today logo is a simple and clean design that reflects the newspaper’s commitment to straightforward and accessible journalism. The logo features the publication’s name in a bold, sans-serif font, rendered in a solid black color. This choice of typography conveys clarity and reliability, essential qualities for a news source. Accompanying the text is a distinctive blue circle, representing the globe and emphasizing the newspaper’s comprehensive and wide-reaching coverage. The use of a bright blue color for the circle adds a touch of modernity and approachability, making the logo appealing and memorable. The overall design is minimalist yet effective, ensuring that the logo is instantly recognizable and reflects the newspaper’s core values of clarity, accessibility, and broad coverage.
NCIS
The “NCIS” logo is a bold and authoritative design that reflects the serious and investigative nature of the popular TV series. The logo features the initials “NCIS” in a thick, sans-serif font, rendered in a solid black color. This choice of typography conveys strength and professionalism, befitting a series centered around naval criminal investigations. Below the initials, the full name “Naval Criminal Investigative Service” is written in a smaller, uppercase font, emphasizing the official and governmental nature of the organization. The clean and straightforward design ensures that the logo is easily recognizable and conveys a sense of authority and seriousness, aligning with the show’s themes of crime-solving and justice.
HuffPost
The “HuffPost” logo is a modern and bold design that reflects the news website’s commitment to providing fresh and impactful journalism. The logo features the brand name in a strong, sans-serif font, rendered in black. The letters are slightly condensed, creating a compact and powerful appearance. Flanking the text are two bright green bars, adding a pop of color and drawing attention to the brand name. This green color symbolizes growth, renewal, and energy, aligning with HuffPost’s mission to deliver dynamic and engaging content. The overall design is clean and contemporary, ensuring that the logo stands out in the crowded digital news landscape. This logo effectively communicates HuffPost’s modernity, clarity, and commitment to impactful journalism.
20th Century Studios
The 20th Century Studios logo is a striking and iconic design that reflects the legacy and grandeur of the film studio. The logo features the name “20th Century Studios” in a bold, Art Deco-inspired font, which is synonymous with the classic Hollywood era. The text is arranged in a stacked formation, with the “20th” at the top, followed by “Century” and “Studios.” This design is rendered in black and white, creating a timeless and elegant look. The surrounding elements, including stylized spotlights and a platform, add a sense of depth and drama, reminiscent of the studio’s cinematic history. This logo effectively conveys the prestige and tradition of 20th Century Studios, making it instantly recognizable to movie enthusiasts worldwide.
Marvel Studios
The Marvel Studios logo is a dynamic and bold design that has become a symbol of superhero entertainment. The logo features the word “Marvel” in a strong, sans-serif font, rendered in white and enclosed within a red rectangular box. This striking contrast makes the text stand out and draws immediate attention. The word “Studios” is placed adjacent to “Marvel,” in black, with a thin black line separating the two sections. This part of the logo is set in a sleek, modern font, adding a touch of sophistication. The overall design reflects the high-energy, action-packed nature of Marvel’s productions, while the red and white color scheme evokes a sense of power and excitement. This logo is instantly recognizable and synonymous with blockbuster superhero films.
The Bachelor
The logo for The Bachelor: Live on Stage is a sophisticated and elegant design that captures the romantic and dramatic essence of the popular reality TV show. The logo features the show’s title in a combination of serif and script fonts. The word “The” is written in a delicate script font, while “Bachelor” is in bold, uppercase letters, giving it prominence. The phrase “Live on Stage” is placed below in a clean, sans-serif font, indicating the live aspect of the show. A golden engagement ring replaces the letter “O” in “Bachelor,” symbolizing the show’s central theme of finding love. The black and gold color scheme adds a touch of luxury and refinement, making the logo both classy and eye-catching.
Disney+
The Disney+ logo is a simple yet elegant design that reflects the streaming service’s rich heritage and innovative future. The logo features the word “Disney” in the classic, cursive font associated with the Disney brand, rendered in a deep blue color. This font choice evokes nostalgia and familiarity, connecting viewers to the beloved Disney legacy. The addition of the plus sign (+) in a modern, sans-serif font represents the expanded content offerings available on the platform. Above the text, a subtle gradient arc in light blue suggests a horizon, symbolizing new horizons and the breadth of entertainment available. This logo effectively blends tradition with modernity, appealing to both long-time Disney fans and new audiences.
ESPN
The ESPN logo Is a bold and energetic design that reflects the dynamic nature of the sports network. The logo features the network’s name in a distinctive, italicized, sans-serif font, rendered in a vibrant red color. The letters are connected by a continuous horizontal line, creating a sense of motion and speed, which aligns with the fast-paced world of sports broadcasting. The red color symbolizes passion, excitement, and energy, qualities that are central to ESPN’s brand identity. This sleek and modern design ensures that the logo is easily recognizable and conveys the network’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports coverage.
Bloomberg
The Bloomberg logo is a clean and professional design that reflects the financial media company’s commitment to clarity and reliability. The logo features the company name in a bold, sans-serif font, rendered in a solid black color. This choice of typography and color conveys strength, authority, and professionalism, essential qualities for a leading financial news organization. The simplicity of the design ensures that the logo is easily recognizable and versatile, suitable for various media platforms from print to digital. This minimalist approach highlights Bloomberg’s focus on delivering straightforward and accurate financial information, making it a trusted source for business and financial news.
Hulu
The Hulu logo is a modern and vibrant design that reflects the streaming service’s youthful and dynamic brand. The logo features the brand name in a lowercase, sans-serif font, rendered in a bright green color. This color choice symbolizes growth, energy, and freshness, aligning with Hulu’s position as a contemporary entertainment platform. The clean and rounded typography exudes friendliness and approachability, making the logo appealing to a wide audience. This minimalist and striking design ensures that the logo is easily recognizable and conveys Hulu’s commitment to providing a wide range of engaging and current content.
