MS Now Announces First Major Programming Moves Since Rebranding
MS Now, the liberal cable news network previously known as MSNBC until November, has revealed its first substantial programming changes since being spun off into the new media company Versant. The network announced on Wednesday a series of adjustments aimed at strengthening its lineup, with changes set to take effect in June.
Morning Show Overhaul and New Hosting Roles
The flagship breakfast program Morning Joe, hosted by married co-hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, will be reduced from four hours to three hours daily. This shift addresses the strain of hosting a lengthy show, as discussed by the hosts. Taking over one of those hours will be a new two-hour morning show from 9 to 11 am, hosted by Stephanie Ruhle, a longtime MS Now anchor who currently presents a late-night show at 11 pm.
In related moves, Ali Velshi will take over Ruhle's late-night slot, while Jacob Soboroff will assume Velshi's weekend show. Ana Cabrera, who anchored a 10 am news program, will depart the network as part of these changes.
Additional Programming Adjustments and Staff Impact
Further changes include Luke Russert, son of legendary moderator Tim Russert, joining as a new co-host of the 7 pm show The Weeknight, alongside Symone Sanders Townsend and Michael Steele. Alicia Menendez, currently part of that hosting trio, will receive her own daily show from 12 to 2 pm. Chris Jansing, the current 12 pm anchor, will transition to a reporting role.
Chris Hayes will return to hosting his 8 pm show five days a week instead of four. Rebecca Kutler, president of MS Now, linked these changes to the upcoming midterm elections and the 2028 presidential election, emphasizing in a memo to employees that many affected staffers will move into new roles, with overall staff count expected to grow by year-end.
Viewership Trends and Corporate Context
Versant, MS Now's parent company which also includes networks like CNBC and the Golf Channel, reported its first earnings earlier this month, noting total revenue for 2025 at $6.69 billion, a 5.3% decrease from the previous year. However, CEO Mark Lazarus highlighted that MS Now has seen significant viewership growth since the name change, with primetime averaging 1.4 million total viewers in February, up 20% year-over-year.
Despite this growth, daytime ratings have been weaker, a gap the new programming aims to address. In a post on X, Ana Cabrera stated she decided to leave to pursue her goal of educating and informing, promising more details on her future plans soon.
These changes were first reported by the media newsletter Status, underscoring MS Now's strategic efforts to enhance its competitive edge in the cable news landscape.
