The three sites msnbc.com, thehindu.com and timesofindia.com aren't on the same platform in the first place. While msnbc.com and timesofindia.com had the advantage of supplementing the stories featured with corresponding videos (thanks to CNBC and Times Now, respectively), thehindu.com had no videos because of no television channel of its own as of now.
On a candid note, it was the first time I came across msnbc.com. With a really impressive layout supplemented with vibrant yet subdued colours and visuals, I was compelled to explore it.
At this point, it also makes sense to note that there is a difference between the target audience of the three websites as well. msnbc.com targets US and Canada while the other two target India. And hence the content and presentation differs a great deal. Site navigation on msnbc.com is more technical but interesting while on timesofindia.com it's easier and simpler but plain. The same on thehindu.com is a little confusing. Also, the latter seems to derive heavily from the e-paper concept as it is the 'online edition'. However, its beta website which has been launched not too long ago is a lot better.
The Hindu which is known for its sobriety, maintains the same image on the net space too, using subtle colours and focussing more on the content part. Even though I have a soft corner for the newspaper, the website is nothing but sheer disappointment. Comparitively, The Times Of India newspaper is more colourful and so is its website. Its crudeness in design works for its advantage in navigation and ease of use. And, how good the beta website of The Hindu would become, is yet to be seen.
Talking of interactivity, msnbc.com has an interesting concept of redirecting the reader/viewer to 'newsvine' for discussions. Timesofindia.com, for that matter, also scores high on interactivity as you can leave your comments under each story. Thehindu.com lags behind here as there is no option to comment on the stories online.
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